Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch reported on Wednesday that Cardinals’ center fielder Harrison Bader is experiencing persistent discomfort in his forearm and will miss four to six weeks. The slick-gloved outfielder had a platelet-rich injection into his forearm to encourage the area to heal.
It’s safe to assume that Bader will be out until mid-May with recovery and a rehab assignment. His absence has a trickle-down effect on the club’s likely Opening Day roster and lineup.
First, Dylan Carlson was all but named the starting center fielder by Manager Mike Shildt while Bader is out. While Carlson played all over the outfield in 2020, he saw the most innings in center.