Cardinals Have Placed Joshua Báez on Injured List
The outfielder will miss the rest of the 2026 season due to a left oblique strain.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Baseball
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The St. Louis Cardinals have placed outfielder Joshua Báez on the 10-day injured list for the remainder of the 2026 season following a left oblique strain. In a corresponding move, the club recalled infielder César Prieto from Triple-A Memphis.
Why it matters
The team opted to sideline Báez for the final nine games of the season to avoid risking further damage to his oblique. This decision ends his campaign early after he established himself as a key contributor in limited action.
Báez finished his 2026 campaign with seven home runs, 18 RBIs, and a 120 OPS+ across 29 games. He posted a .788 OPS before leaving Wednesday's game against the Giants.
The players
Joshua Báez
He is an outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals who concluded his 2026 season early due to injury.
César Prieto
He is a professional baseball player who was recalled to the St. Louis Cardinals from the Triple-A Memphis affiliate.
St. Louis Cardinals
They are a professional Major League Baseball franchise based in St. Louis that competes in the National League Central division.
The details
Báez exited the game against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday after experiencing tightness in his left side. The team announced the move on Friday, clearing the way for Prieto to join the active roster for the final stretch of the year.
Timeline
Wednesday: Joshua Báez suffered left side tightness during a game.
Friday: Cardinals announced the injury list and roster moves.
2026 season: Joshua Báez will not return to the field.
March 2027: Earliest anticipated return for Joshua Báez.
Season Trajectory
The loss of Báez limits the Cardinals' offensive depth during the final push, while potential shifts in the collective bargaining agreement loom over the 2027 offseason. This move forces the organization to evaluate internal bench options like Prieto as they aim to stabilize their roster for next year.
César Prieto will be available to fill the roster spot for the final nine games of the season, potentially altering the team's defensive and hitting rotation. Fantasy managers should adjust rosters accordingly, as Báez is officially ruled out for all remaining 2026 matchups.
The takeaway
Sudden injuries late in the schedule often provide opportunities for younger players to showcase their potential during low-stakes games. Teams must balance the desire for these evaluations against the long-term health of their primary assets.
Further reading
For more updates on team transactions, visit the St. Louis Baseball section.
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