Important Cardinals Outfielder Hasn't Started Baseball Activities Due To Injury

St. Louis' outfield depth certainly is being tested right now

Jun 24, 2023; London, GBR, ENG; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Dylan Carlson (3) swings at a / Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Cardinals currently are thin in the outfield.

St. Louis is just five games into the 2024 campaign but already is dealing with a plethora of injuries. The Cardinals don't have their top pitcher right now with Sonny Gray currently out as he builds up after suffering a hamstring injury.

The Cardinals also are missing Dylan Carlson, Lars Nootbaar, and Tommy Edman right now as all three are dealing with ailments of their own.

It's unclear exactly when the trio will return to the field, but MLB.com's John Denton provided an update on Carlson's health on Monday.

"Cardinals (center fielder) Dylan Carlson, who recently received a cortisone shot in his sprained left shoulder, is still doing strengthening exercises and has yet to restart baseball activities, manager Oli Marmol said, Denton said. "Carlson sprained his shoulder last (Monday) after a hard fall on the track."

With Edman sidelined, it was expected that Carlson was going to be the club's everyday center fielder to begin the 2024 season. His injury has changed things and No. 3 prospect Victor Scott II currently is the club's starting center fielder.

The 2024 season certainly will be an important one for Carlson so hopefully he will be able to return to the field soon. He found his name in trade rumors throughout the 2023 season and even this past offseason but still is with the club.

He is 25 years old and has plenty of potential but injuries have hurt him over the last few seasons. Hopefully, he will be able to get back on the field soon and have a strong start to the season.

More MLB: Possible Cardinals Rotation Target Reportedly Signs With White Sox