Willson Contreras damage: Cardinals catcher breaks arm after being hit by swing vs. Mets

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras was pressured to exit Tuesday night time’s recreation in opposition to the New York Mets (NYM-STL GameTracker) within the second inning after J.D. Martinez’s swing caught him on the left forearm. Quickly after the Cardinals introduced that Contreras had suffered a left arm fracture. After the sport, Contreras instructed reporters that he was knowledgeable he would be out not less than six-to-eight weeks. Cardinals supervisor Oli Marmol added that Contreras might endure surgical procedure as early as Wednesday. 

Conteras was down on the sphere in apparent ache for a number of minutes earlier than leaving the sport and being changed behind the plate by Iván Herrera. Here is a take a look at the play: 

As you’ll be able to see, Martinez caught Contreras’ arm on the ahead portion of the swing versus the much less highly effective backswing part. As such, Martinez was awarded first base on catcher’s interference. Contreras this season in an effort to enhance his receiving sometimes units up nearer to the plate than he has previously. That plus the lunge ahead to catch the slider from starter Miles Mikolas put Contreras in hurt’s method. 

“You are anticipating to hit a ball and also you hit an arm,” Martinez instructed reporters after the sport. “And you are like, what was that? I hit meat. I felt I hit meat. I did not hit only a glove the place you level again on the catcher. It was strong. Dude, I hit him good. Once I bought to first, I felt horrible.”

On condition that Contreras is dealing with a prolonged restoration interval, his absence can be a blow to the Cardinals. Along with his improved framing behind the plate, he is additionally far and away been St. Louis’ most efficient hitter in 2024. Earlier in Tuesday’s contest, he hit a ringing double, which introduced his slash line for the season to .280/.398/.551. That is elite manufacturing for any hitter, not to mention one who mans the catcher place. Compounding Contreras’ worth to the Cardinals is simply how unhealthy the remainder of the offense has been. 

Talking of which, the Cardinals are actually 15-21 after Tuesday’s loss and in final place within the Nationwide League Central.