The Cardinals continue to take their nicks and bruises, with Harrison Bader the latest entry into the list of ailing outfielders.
The center fielder left Monday’s 5-1 series-opening loss against the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field with a right side rib injury in the bottom of the third inning. Manager Mike Shildt said that initial imaging came back positive, however, and Bader is considered day to day. He is set for more testing Tuesday.
“He’s in some discomfort,” Shildt said. “But we're optimistic it's not a fracture.”
Bader’s departure proved to be just one tally in an overall inauspicious day, as St. Louis was no-hit by former Cardinal Lance Lynn for 5 1/3 innings, saw starter Kwang Hyun Kim deal before being chased by a two-run homer in the sixth and fell while facing manager Tony La Russa for the first time, dropping its sixth contest in its last nine games.
"I'm not going to lie to you: That was probably the most satisfying win I've ever had in my career, not counting the playoffs,” Lynn said.
For Bader, the night went awry when he dove after a sinking liner in shallow right-center off the bat of Chicago second baseman Nick Madrigal, after which the ball bounced off the heel of his glove and caromed under his ribcage, which, along with his right arm, broke his fall.
It was the circumstance of landing on the ball in an awkward manner that nicked Bader in a more serious manner than simply coming up from a tough dive -- which he’s done many times in his high-flying career.
Bader was paid a quick visit from Shildt and head trainer Adam Olsen and was removed from the game, walking off the field without any aid.
Dylan Carlson -- who missed the last two games with a stiff back -- shifted from right field to center, making a superb, winding catch on the first ball hit his way, while Justin Williams took over in right. Left fielder Tyler O’Neill is already on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left middle finger, though he’s ramping back up in baseball activities.
The Cardinals are wary of rib injuries in recent weeks. Paul DeJong was hit in the left side by a pitch on May 11 and made a start the next day, but he proceeded to be placed on the injured list with a nondisplaced rib fracture.
Any time missed for Bader, which seems doubtful at initial glance, would be his second time on the shelf this season, as he missed almost the entirety of April with a right forearm strain. He’s been an equalizing force for the outfield since his return on April 30, providing Gold Glove-caliber defense and posting solid offensive numbers before a 1-for-19 mini-skid entering Monday’s action.
Most encouraging for Bader has been his rejuvenated ability to hit breaking balls. He has already equaled his home run total from 50 games last year, needing just 15 games to do so in 2021. Of his four homers, three have come against a breaking pitch.
Time without Bader could see Tommy Edman taking more reps in the outfield, with Matt Carpenter getting more starts at second, though he slotted in at first Monday as Paul Goldschmidt took DH duties. Williams and Lane Thomas have shown bursts of talent over their careers, but both are having a rough go of it this season, with neither hitting above .170 on the year. Both went 0-for-3 on Monday.
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Bader's exit looms over South Side defeat - MLB.com
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