MLB Player News

Rodriguez (elbow) will begin a swinging progression from the left side next week, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

It's the next step in recovery as Rodriguez continues to work his way back from offseason Tommy John surgery. He'll be sidelined until 2025.

Grandal (foot) will begin baserunning drills in the coming days, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Grandal has been participating in simulated games as he works his way back from plantar fasciitis in his left foot. He wouldn't appear too far off from a rehab assignment if baserunning goes well, setting up the veteran catcher to potentially return before the end of April.

Jansen (wrist) is tracking toward a late-April return, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

Jansen has progressed to taking batting practice as he works his way back from a small fracture in his right wrist. He will need a handful of rehab games before returning and it's not clear when that rehab assignment will begin, but Jansen should be activated within the next couple weeks if all continues to go well.

Herrera went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and two total runs scored in Monday's 5-3 extra-inning loss to the Phillies.

Herrera has gotten an extended run of playing time while Willson Contreras (hand) remains out of the lineup. Over his last five contests, Herrera has gone 7-for-20 with two homers and four RBI. The 23-year-old gives the Cardinals another option for the designated hitter spot when the team is at full health, and he may force his way into the lineup even Contreras is healthy if he continues to hit well.

Caratini went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer and two runs scored in Monday's win over the Rangers.

Caratini's three-run shot in the fifth inning was his first as an Astro. He's made just four appearances so far this season, registering a .364/.364/.636 slash line in the process. He should continue to be used sparingly behind Yainer Diaz.

Diaz is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rangers, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Diaz made eight starts behind the plate and two at designated hitter in Houston's first 10 games of the season, but he'll receive a breather Monday. Victor Caratini will start at catcher and bat ninth against Texas lefty Andrew Heaney.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Monday that he's confident Contreras (hand) will be ready to return to the lineup Tuesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Marmol also revealed that Contreras wasn't actually scratched from Monday's lineup, but rather he was never meant to be included in the lineup that was ultimately released. However, while he will sit out a fourth straight game with a sore left hand, it sounds like he should be ready to go Tuesday. Ivan Herrera is getting another start at catcher Monday.

Realmuto is not in the lineup for Monday's game at St. Louis.

Realmuto went 0-for-3 with a walk Sunday to end a six-game hit streak during which he went 9-for-24 with two homers, and he'll hit the bench for Monday against the Cardinals. Garrett Stubbs will start at catcher and bat eighth in the series opener.

Heim is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Astros.

Heim started the past six games and will take a seat for Monday's matchup with Houston. Andrew Knizner will step in behind the plate to catch for lefty Andrew Heaney.

Contreras (hand) has been scratched from the Cardinals' lineup Monday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Conteras had appeared set to return from a three-game absence with left hand soreness, but evidently he's still not quite ready. Consider him day-to-day still for the time being. Ivan Herrera will sub in again at catcher.