Wilson Contreras is catching again in a rushing Cardinals encounter

MLB

by Bridget Riley

May 14, 2023 | 12:14 p.m

The Cardinals are already starting to walk away from their bizarre plan for Wilson Contreras.

On Saturday, St. Louis head coach Oliver Marmul announced before their 4-3 victory over the Red Sox that the catcher would return to position Monday night against the leading Brewers in the NL Central for the home opener.

“We felt very good about the progress we’ve made and he’s very lucky to catch up on Monday,” Marmol told reporters.

The quick turnaround comes after the struggling Cardinals, whose 15-25 record going into Sunday was the worst in the National League, announced that the 31-year-old had been moved from his position on May 6 after just a month into the season and that he would be transferred to the BA. It can be used as an outfielder or outfielder.

This move was supposed to last at least “several weeks,” Marmol said earlier.

The decision raised eyebrows as the Cardinals awarded Contreras a five-year, $87.5 million free agent contract in December to replace their longtime catcher Yadier Molina, who had retired.

“We talked about it last night and I told him I was willing to catch him,” Contreras said after Saturday’s win.

“I’m not going to be just a DH because it’s really hard to be just a DH when I’m behind the plate,” he said. “I was ready to catch him.”

Contreras explained that Marmol came to him to ask if he was ready to go back to his place behind the plate.

“I don’t know if I acted differently, he read something in my body and went straight to the point and said, ‘Are you ready to be held? “And I said yes,” Contreras said.

Contreras will be looking for right-hander Jack Flaherty on Monday, who was the last pitcher he caught on May 4, and it will be another chance to prove he can deliver for the Cardinals.

Contreras hit .265/.344/.412 with three home runs, 18 RBI and two stolen bases.