Cardinals Outfielder Still Limited After Undergoing Ankle Surgery

One young St. Louis Cardinals outfielder still is working his way back after undergoing surgery.

Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson missed much of the 2023 campaign as he dealt with injuries and only was able to appear in 76 games. Carlson had a down year and clubbed five home runs, drove in 27 runs, and slashed .219/.318/.333.

Carlson found his name in trade rumors last season and throughout the offseason but still remains with the club and is expected to see a solid role in 2024 as the club's fourth outfielder.

The 25-year-old underwent ankle surgery in September and is still attempting to work his way back. He was cleared in December but has been limited to begin Spring Training, according to MLB.com's John Denton.

"Cardinals (center fielder) Tommy Edman will miss the first full team workout because of a stomach bug, Oli Marmol said," Denton said. "Dylan Carlson (ankle surgery) is limited with his running, while Brendan Donovan (elbow surgery) will have his throwing monitored. Donovan is likely to stick at (second base) for now."

The fact that he's able to participate at all is a positive sign and the club likely is just taking precautions after Carlson missed time last season. 

St. Louis is in an interesting spot and is going to need all hands on deck to get back on track in 2024 after a disastrous 2023 campaign. The Cardinals seem to be in a much better spot but health is going to be a major factor for the club.

Hopefully, Carlson can fully get back on the field soon and get back on track.