Don't let the headline from Chaim Bloom's Thursday media availability with reporters in Jupiter, Fla. scare you too much. There's a reasonable explanation for why Lars Nootbaar, who is recovering from dual procedures on both heels, will be delayed in arriving to Cardinals camp this spring.
Bloom shared with reporters, including STL Sports Central's Joe Roderick and Mike Claiborne, that Nootbaar will continue his rehab in Southern California for a number of days beyond the official start of full squad workouts in Jupiter in order to remain on track with his progression toward full activities.
The reason makes sense: at present, the Cardinals, in their very newly renovated facilities, don't yet have the piece of equipment that Nootbaar is using for this stage of his progression.
"He's on track," Bloom said. "There's a part of the progression he's on now involves a piece of equipment that, because of the newness of the complex, we don't have here yet. So, we actually want him to complete that progression. So he's going to do that at the facility he's at in Southern California and then come here--actually, so we can keep him on track. So he'll be a couple days late for full squad... But not because of any setback. Just so we can keep him on track with the progression he's on."
Jeff Jones reported that Nootbaar is using an altered gravity treadmill. Presumably, the Cardinals will get one down there in Jupiter, but given the chaos surrounding totally overhauling their facilities just in time for workouts to begin, the logistics of its acquisition just haven't happened yet.
Nootbaar is recovering from a procedure that shaved down Haglund's deformities in both of his heels. Though he hasn't had any setbacks in his recovery, the Cardinals have been unsure throughout the winter of his eventual timeline for a return to play.
His readiness for opening day remains in question, as Bloom explained that the Cardinals haven't yet determined a firm timeline.
"We haven't made that determination yet," Bloom said regarding Nootbaar's opening day status. "He's not going to be ready to play in games when games start here (in Grapefruit League). But beyond that, we don't have a timeline built out. Once he's been here for a couple week, I think we'll probably have a better idea of what that looks like."