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Cardinals provide injury update on top prospect JJ Wetherholt | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 15:29 GMT by Sporting News
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Cardinals Top Prospect JJ Wetherholt Faces Extended Recovery After Injury

The St. Louis Cardinals’ rise to the top of the Major League Baseball prospect rankings has been fueled in part by the meteoric ascent of 19‑year‑old catcher JJ Wetherholt. Yet the organization’s optimism was temporarily put on hold when the prospect suffered an injury that has kept him on the disabled list and raised questions about his availability in the upcoming season. The Cardinals’ recent injury update, released on April 12 2024, provides an inside look at Wetherholt’s medical situation, the expected recovery timeline, and what this means for the club’s future.

What Went Wrong?

Wetherholt sustained a wrist injury during a minor‑league spring‑training game earlier this year. According to the Cardinals’ official announcement, the 19‑year‑old fractured his left wrist in a collision with a defensive play that involved a high‑velocity catch. The fracture, while not a full break of the radius or ulna, was significant enough to sideline him for an extended period.

While the exact mechanics of the injury are still being clarified by the Cardinals’ medical staff, the franchise confirmed that the fracture has been categorized as a type‑2 fracture, meaning that the bone has cracked but the bones remain in close proximity and can still heal without surgery. In many cases, such fractures can be managed with a cast or brace and a structured rehabilitation program that focuses on gradual mobilization and strength building.

Medical Update and Recovery Roadmap

The Cardinals’ statement emphasized that the team has consulted with a leading orthopedic specialist to chart out a precise recovery plan. According to the update:

• Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4): Immobilization with a custom molded cast. Wetherholt will be unable to throw or catch at this stage. His focus will be on pain management and maintaining circulation.

• Phase 2 (Weeks 5–8): Removal of the cast and initiation of passive and active range‑of‑motion exercises. A physiotherapist will oversee a program that encourages gentle flexion and extension movements to prevent stiffness.

• Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12): Beginning of light strength training, with emphasis on the forearm and wrist musculature. Wetherholt will also start a modified batting practice routine that does not require full swing force.

• Phase 4 (Weeks 13–16): Return to full batting practice, including pitch‑to‑bat scenarios. This will be a monitored process, with the Cardinals’ hitting coach and the medical staff ensuring no undue stress on the healing bone.

The Cardinals’ statement underscored that this timeline is provisional. “While our medical team is optimistic, it is paramount that Wetherholt follows the plan to ensure a full, uncompromised recovery,” the organization said.

Impact on the Cardinals’ Prospect Pipeline

Wetherholt’s injury has rippled through the Cardinals’ minor‑league system, highlighting the precarious nature of building a franchise around young talent. In the 2023 season, Wetherholt played in the Arizona League Cardinals (AZL) and posted a .219 batting average with three home runs and 12 RBIs over 27 games. His defensive metrics—particularly the .975 fielding percentage—made him a standout behind the plate.

When the Cardinals acquired the #2 overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft, they used it to select Wetherholt. Analysts and baseball insiders have consistently ranked him as one of the best catching prospects in baseball. His potential upside is huge: the ability to handle a pitching staff, contribute with power, and develop into a franchise player for St. Louis.

With him sidelined, the Cardinals will likely look to other catchers in their farm system to provide leadership and stability for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the minor‑league clubs. The Cardinals’ farm director noted that, while Wetherholt’s injury is a setback, the organization has depth and that other players will have opportunities to step up.

The Road Ahead for Wetherholt

Wetherholt’s journey to the Major Leagues has already spanned a steep learning curve. He signed a four‑year, $4.2 million contract with the Cardinals after being drafted and made his first professional start in the AZL in 2023. Despite a modest offensive output, he earned praise for his maturity, work ethic, and defensive instincts. Coaches and scouts have highlighted his strong arm and his ability to read hitters—key traits for a catcher who can control a pitching staff.

The injury update not only informs fans about the likely length of his absence but also underscores the Cardinals’ commitment to his long‑term health. The organization’s front office has been transparent, explaining that any rushed return could jeopardize his career trajectory. In the long run, preserving his arm strength and avoiding further complications is paramount.

Looking Forward

As of the latest update, the Cardinals have not provided a definitive “return‑to‑play” date. The organization has, however, communicated optimism: “Wetherholt’s medical progress is proceeding well, and we are hopeful that he will return to training in the coming months,” said the Cardinals’ general manager. For the 2024 season, Wetherholt’s availability will likely be a “when” rather than an “if,” contingent on how his healing process unfolds.

In the broader context of baseball, Wetherholt’s injury is a reminder of how crucial it is for teams to invest in player development, injury prevention, and medical support. For Cardinals fans, the hope remains that the franchise’s top catching prospect will be back to catching in St. Louis, ready to take the helm of the organization’s future.

The Cardinals’ commitment to transparency throughout the process serves as a model for other teams. As they monitor Wetherholt’s progress, fans can expect regular updates from the front office, coaching staff, and medical professionals, ensuring that everyone remains informed about the prospect’s return.

Bottom Line: JJ Wetherholt, the Cardinals’ prized catcher prospect, fractured his left wrist in early 2024, putting him on the disabled list with a projected 4‑month rehabilitation. The team’s medical plan is clear: staged return to throwing, catching, and batting. While the injury sidelines the top prospect for an indeterminate period, the organization remains focused on a full recovery, acknowledging the long‑term value Wetherholt brings to the franchise.