During Tuesday night's game against the New York Mets, Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras sustained a left forearm fracture after being hit by a swing. The incident occurred in the second inning when J.D. Martinez's swing made contact with Contreras, causing him to fall in pain. Contreras will undergo surgery and is expected to miss at least six weeks of play.
Contreras expressed his disappointment at being sidelined, emphasizing his determination to support his team despite the setback. He acknowledged the challenge of watching games from the sidelines but vowed to stay engaged and cheer on his teammates during his recovery.
Following the injury, Contreras was replaced by Iván Herrera behind the plate. The Cardinals confirmed the left forearm fracture and noted that Martinez was awarded first base due to catcher's interference.
Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas described Contreras as the team's 'beating heart' behind the plate, highlighting his contributions to the team's performance. Mikolas suggested implementing a designated line for catchers to stand behind to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Contreras, who is hitting .280 with six home runs and 12 RBIs this season, is in the second year of a lucrative five-year contract. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol expressed sympathy for Contreras, praising his competitive spirit and valuable contributions to the team.
The loss of Contreras is a significant blow to the Cardinals, who will need to adjust their lineup in his absence. The team will look to rally together and overcome this setback as they continue their season.
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