Cardinals announce Ivan Herrera news ahead of Braves series finale

The St. Louis Cardinals, heading into the All-Star break, could use a win over the Atlanta Braves to avoid a sweep and from losing four of their last five. Fortunately, the Cardinals made a roster move, which should help the team beat the Braves.

The Cardinals announced that Ivan Herrera was activated off the 10-day injured list, and Lars Nootbaar was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left costochondral sprain. The return of Herrera from his hamstring issue is a huge boost to the team's offense, but losing Nootbaar stings.

Herrera has been one of the best hitters on the Cardinals this season. Among Cardinals batters with at least 100 at-bats, Herrera has the best batting average (.320), best on-base percentage (.392), and best slugging percentage (.533).

His .925 OPS is a remarkable number, and is .125 higher than the next closest Cardinals hitter with at least 100 at-bats. Through his 150 on the year, Herrera has been incredible.

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He has 48 hits, 22 runs scored, eight home runs, eight doubles, 36 RBIs, 16 walks, and 32 strikeouts. His 158 OPS+ is the highest it's been in his MLB career, and he's on his way to a very productive season.

The only thing holding him back has been his injuries. His latest hamstring strain was just another injury he's dealt with this season. He previously dealt with a knee issue earlier in the year, and while he's back, there's concern over his health with the injuries he's dealt with through the first half of the season.

The 25-year-old slugger will likely lineup at designated hitter going forward, with the Cardinals intent on not putting him behind the plate. He also could work towards debuting in the outfield, but for now, he will be the team's designated hitter.

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