Lars Nootbaar

STATUS UPDATE: Cardinals are eyeing June 1 as the target activation date (heel injuries). Nootbaar has been on the 60-day IL since spring. The Cardinals will need OF help when he returns — top of the order for STL. Stash in deeper leagues; hold in 12-team OBP formats.

Nootbaar made his 2026 debut Friday with two hits and an RBI in the Cardinals' 10-3 win over the Reds after missing the entire first two-plus months with offseason double heel surgery. Pre-injury, he is a legitimate plus-OBP outfielder who hits in a solid Cardinals lineup spot. At roughly 13% owned, this is one of the widest available-vs.-should-be-owned gaps on the waiver wire. Add immediately in 14+ team leagues; target in 12-team leagues with deep benches.