Lars Nootbaar set to return for Cardinals against Reds
6 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 6, 2026, 9:23 PM
Last updated Jun 6, 2026
Lars Nootbaar will make his 2026 debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday after completing a rehab assignment. He has not played since last season but is expected to bolster the Cardinals' lineup as they host the Cincinnati Reds. Nootbaar's return addresses recent struggles among the Cardinals' middle-order hitters. His inclusion could enhance their offensive performance as key players have faced difficulties capitalize on scoring opportunities. Manager Oli Marmol confirmed that Nootbaar will be in the lineup this weekend.
- •Lars Nootbaar returns to the Cardinals after completing rehab.
- •He has not played since last season.
- •Nootbaar's presence aims to improve middle-order hitting.
- •Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds this weekend.
- •Manager Oli Marmol confirmed Nootbaar will be in the lineup.
- 9:23 PMYahoo Sports — Lars Nootbaar's 8th inning HR lifts Cardinals over Reds 6-5
- 4:09 AMYahoo Sports — Lars Nootbaar Returns to Lineup, Sparks Big Cards Pally Past Reds
- 10:41 PMESPN MLB — Cards' Nootbaar to make season debut vs. Reds
- 9:17 PMYahoo Sports — Cardinals activate Nootbaar from 60-day injury list
- 1:24 AMYahoo Sports — Lars Nootbaar’s Return Gives Cardinals Something Stats Can’t Track
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Cardinals’ Lineup Can Improve With Lars Nootbaar’s Return
"St. Louis outfielder Lars Nootbaar was activated from the 60-day injured list on Friday in time to make his season debut in left field as the Cardinals begin a weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds. Nootbaar, 28, had surgery on both of his heels in the offseason and has not played in the majors this season. In his last rehab game for Triple-A Memphis, Nootbaar hit a solo home run Wednesday and finished 2 for 5 with a walk, four RBIs and two runs scored in an 18-4 victory over Louisville.
"Lars Nootbaar hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning and Jordan Walker also homered as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-5 on Saturday. Nootbaar hit a 2-1 pitch from Sam Moll (1-4) 433 feet into the right-center field bleachers to put St. Louis ahead. Nootbaar, who made his season debut Friday night after opening the season on the 60-day injured list while recovering from surgery on both heels, entered the game as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning.
"Lars Nootbaar will make his 2026 debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. The outfielder has not played since last season, but has completed a rehab assignment with the organization's minor league affiliates. Nootbaar will rejoin the roster this weekend when the Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds. His return will improve the Cardinals' lineup. …
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 6, 2026, 9:23 PMLars Nootbaar's 8th inning HR lifts Cardinals over Reds 6-5
Lars Nootbaar hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning and Jordan Walker also homered as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-5 on Saturday. Nootbaar hit a 2-1 pitch from Sam Moll (1-4) 433 feet into the right-center field bleachers to put St. Louis ahead. Nootbaar, who made his season debut Friday night after opening the season on the 60-day injured list while recovering from surgery on both heels, entered the game as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning.
- Yahoo SportsJun 6, 2026, 4:09 AMLars Nootbaar Returns to Lineup, Sparks Big Cards Pally Past Reds
Playing his first MLB game since having double heel surgery, Lars Nootbaar had two hits, a double, an RBI and a run scored in the Cardinals rally back from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Reds 10-3.
- ESPN MLBJun 5, 2026, 10:41 PMCards' Nootbaar to make season debut vs. Reds
St. Louis outfielder Lars Nootbaar was activated from the 60-day injured list in time to make his season debut in left field as the Cardinals begin a weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds.
- Yahoo SportsJun 5, 2026, 9:17 PMCardinals activate Nootbaar from 60-day injury list
St. Louis outfielder Lars Nootbaar was activated from the 60-day injured list on Friday in time to make his season debut in left field as the Cardinals begin a weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds. Nootbaar, 28, had surgery on both of his heels in the offseason and has not played in the majors this season. In his last rehab game for Triple-A Memphis, Nootbaar hit a solo home run Wednesday and finished 2 for 5 with a walk, four RBIs and two runs scored in an 18-4 victory over Louisville.
- Yahoo SportsJun 5, 2026, 1:24 AMLars Nootbaar’s Return Gives Cardinals Something Stats Can’t Track
We now know that the St. Louis Cardinals will finally have Lars Nootbaar back in the Major League lineup as he’s being activated for the homestand versus the Cincinnati Reds starting Friday night. There’s been a lot of discussion about what that will mean for the roster moving forward, but I’d like to focus on […]
- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 12:00 PMCardinals’ Lineup Can Improve With Lars Nootbaar’s Return
Lars Nootbaar will make his 2026 debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. The outfielder has not played since last season, but has completed a rehab assignment with the organization's minor league affiliates. Nootbaar will rejoin the roster this weekend when the Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds. His return will improve the Cardinals' lineup. …
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