JJ Wetherholt Aims for Return Before Season Ends

Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt is striving to return to the field before the end of the season after being sidelined since August 30 due to right wrist tendinitis. He participated in batting practice at Busch Stadium and plans to continue his rehabilitation efforts.

Wetherholt, who was having a standout rookie season and is a contender for the NL Rookie of the Year award, received a pain-killing injection for his injury. He will undergo a full pregame routine on Tuesday, with a decision regarding his return expected on Wednesday. The Cardinals, currently seven games out of the NL Wild Card spot, may prioritize his long-term health over a rushed return.

In his debut season, Wetherholt has excelled defensively, ranking among the top second basemen in Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average. Offensively, he has contributed significantly with a batting line of .242/.343/.370, including 17 home runs and 14 stolen bases, showcasing his potential as a key player for the team moving forward.