Ivan Herrera

Knee inflammation has kept Herrera out of game action since March 6, but he'll return Wednesday, starting behind the plate and batting second against the Astros. He's expected to catch the first three innings.

Fantasy Impact

A clean outing Wednesday would put Herrera on track for Opening Day. He's projected to handle the bulk of his playing time at designated hitter this season while occasionally spelling Pedro Pages at catcher.

Herrera was eased into spring training following offseason elbow surgery and has since been dealing with knee inflammation, keeping him out of Grapefruit League action for nearly two weeks. He'll catch a bullpen session Tuesday before returning to the lineup Wednesday against the Astros, where he's expected to catch three innings.

Fantasy Impact

Herrera is projected to open the season as St. Louis' primary designated hitter but is also expected to see time behind the plate.

Herrera (knee) was held out of St. Louis' lineup on Saturday due to knee inflammation. He is projected to open the season as the Cardinals' primary designated hitter and is also expected to receive time at catcher.

Fantasy Impact

Early-morning workouts were conducted on Monday to test the knee's condition. Additional activities are planned throughout Monday to assess his readiness for game action. Herrera is targeting a return to Grapefruit League play on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Herrera (elbow) was confined to designated hitter duties during the final months of last season due to elbow problems and defensive concerns. He underwent elbow surgery during the offseason.

Fantasy Impact

He made his first start at catcher this spring on Sunday against Pittsburgh in a Grapefruit League game. Herrera's goal is to return to catching as his primary position in 2026. Pedro Pages will serve as St. Louis' main catcher to open the season, with Herrera projected to receive the majority of his early-season at-bats as the designated hitter. The organization does not anticipate determining Herrera's catching workload by the conclusion of spring training.

Herrera (elbow) had bone spurs surgically removed from his elbow in November. The issue confined him to designated hitter duties during the final months of last season.

Fantasy Impact

He will make his spring debut Thursday as the designated hitter. Manager Oliver Marmol said Thursday that Herrera will start at catcher on Sunday for his first Grapefruit League appearance behind the plate. Herrera is working his way back to catching this season.