The St. Louis Cardinals have been dealt a significant blow to their catching depth and offensive versatility, as the team announced on Friday that Iván Herrera has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain. According to multiple sources, the 24-year-old is expected to miss several weeks of action.
The injury occurred during Wednesday’s game against the Miami Marlins when Herrera pulled up awkwardly while running out a grounder. The discomfort was immediate, and though initial testing ruled out a tear, the club revealed that the strain is “moderate” and will require extended rest and rehab.
Before the injury, Herrera had been carving out a key role in the Cardinals’ lineup. Slashing a solid .274/.340/.418 across 47 games this season with four home runs and 24 RBIs, the young catcher had emerged as a viable complement—and potential heir—to veteran backstop Willson Contreras, who has battled injuries of his own this season.
Herrera’s positional flexibility, having rotated between catcher and designated hitter, made him even more valuable to manager Oli Marmol, especially as the team looked to balance youth with experience during a competitive stretch in the National League Central. “He’s been a consistent bat and a calm presence behind the plate,” Marmol said. “This is obviously a tough break, but we’re hopeful he’ll bounce back quickly.”
In a corresponding move, the Cardinals recalled Thomas Saggese from Triple-A Memphis. Saggese, acquired in the Jordan Montgomery trade with the Rangers, is expected to fill a utility role while the club determines how to navigate the absence of Herrera. Meanwhile, Willson Contreras—who recently returned from a fractured forearm—will resume full-time catching duties, while Pedro Pagés remains the likely backup in the short term.
The loss of Herrera comes just as the Cardinals were finding some rhythm, with four straight wins and a recent surge in offensive production. St. Louis is currently sitting just a few games back in the NL Central, and the hope was that a full-strength lineup could push the team into a playoff position before the All-Star break. Instead, Herrera becomes the latest name added to the injury report, joining names like Zack Thompson and Keynan Middleton—both of whom are already sidelined.
According to the team’s medical staff, Herrera will remain in St. Louis for now to begin rehab and undergo daily treatment. A return timeline has not been firmly set, but early estimates suggest a minimum of 3–4 weeks before he resumes baseball activities.
While the setback is disappointing, the Cardinals remain confident in Herrera’s long-term potential.“Iván’s work ethic and approach are beyond his years,” said President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. “We’re optimistic that with rest and the right plan, he’ll be back stronger and ready for the stretch run.”
In a season where every game counts, the Cardinals will need others to step up in Herrera’s absence. With Contreras back and Saggese entering the mix, the team’s depth will be tested—but not broken.