St. Louis Cardinals’ talented second baseman, Nolan Gorman, is experiencing a challenging period as he deals with persistent back issues that have sidelined him from recent games. The 23-year-old rising star was initially scratched from Monday’s lineup due to lower back tightness, but his discomfort has persisted, forcing him to miss the current matchup against the Oakland Athletics.
Gorman’s absence comes at a crucial time for the Cardinals, especially considering his impressive performance this season. In just his second season in the major leagues, Gorman has significantly improved his batting average to .241, up by 15 points from last year, and his OPS has improved by 86 points to .814. His powerful swing has also earned him 24 home runs, 67 RBIs, and six stolen bases in 104 games this season.
Cardinals Place Gorman on 10-day Injured List
In a move to prioritize Gorman’s recovery, the Cardinals have announced that he will be placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lower back strain, a decision retroactively effective from Monday. Gorman is scheduled to receive a pain-relieving injection to address the issue, and the team hopes this precautionary measure will help facilitate his recovery and get him back on the field soon.
Willson Contreras’ Hip Injury Adds to Cardinals’ Woes
Meanwhile, the Cardinals’ catcher, Willson Contreras, is also absent from the lineup due to a hip injury. Contreras left Monday’s game with right hip tightness and subsequently missed Tuesday’s matchup against the Athletics. Despite these setbacks, the Cardinals have managed to secure victories in the first two games against the Athletics.
The team remains vigilant about Contreras’ general soreness and continues to monitor his progress. The Cardinals, who are currently placed at the bottom of the National League Central standings with a 54-67 record, will likely consider adjustments during the offseason to rejuvenate the team’s performance and roster.
Gorman’s Baseball Journey
Nolan Gorman’s journey to the majors has been a remarkable one. Born on May 10, 2000, in Phoenix, Arizona, Gorman’s passion for baseball was nurtured at Sandra Day O’Connor High School. During his high school years, Gorman showcased exceptional skills, including a sophomore season where he achieved a .490 batting average, 11 home runs, and 49 RBIs.
Gorman’s achievements extended beyond high school. He clinched victory in the MLB High School Home Run Derby and the home run derby of the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game. He played an instrumental role in the USA Baseball 18U National Team’s triumph, contributing to their consecutive gold medal wins.
Gormania is in full effect!
Nolan Gorman has been named National League Player of the Week! #STLCards pic.twitter.com/o8BoDUzUTl
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) May 22, 2023
Moving Forward with Injuries
Gorman’s injury is a recurring issue. He was previously scratched from the lineup at the end of July due to lower back tightness. Unfortunately, the discomfort has persisted, leading to his recent placement on the injured list. As Gorman‘s substantial contributions to the team’s performance this season have made him an integral part of the Cardinals’ lineup, his absence due to the injury is undoubtedly a setback for both him and the team.
The Cardinals are navigating a challenging season and face a tough road ahead with key players sidelined with injuries. The team’s proactive approach, considering Gorman’s scheduled injection and Contreras’ hip issues, reflects their commitment to ensuring the well-being of their players and their long-term performance. The Cardinals hope to regroup and strategize for a stronger performance in the upcoming season.
