Herrera (elbow) will make his Grapefruit League debut Thursday at designated hitter, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Herrera has been slow-played by the Cardinals this spring after having surgery in November to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. While he is ready to go with the bat, it's uncertain when he will be cleared to catch in games. Herrera is attempting to return to catcher after the elbow issue and defensive concerns limited him to designated hitter for the final few months of last season.

Herrera (elbow) did outfield drills in Cardinals camp Tuesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

The catchers were working on pop time drills and throws to second base, something Herrera is not yet cleared for as he returns from surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. The plan is for Herrera to return to catcher in 2026 after the elbow issue limited him to designated hitter for the final few months of last season. He did play four games in left field in 2025, and if catching doesn't work out, Herrera could give the outfield a try again or possibly first base.

The Cardinals could explore using Herrera (elbow) in left field or at first base if he's unable to stick at catcher, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Herrera was limited to designated hitter duties for the final few months of last season due to defensive issues and also a lingering elbow injury that he had surgically corrected in November. The Cardinals gave Herrera a list of things to work on over the offseason in order to improve his game preparation and game management, and they're optimistic his throwing will improve after surgery. If a return to catcher ultimately isn't in the cards, Herrera could be tried out in left field -- where he played four games last season -- or at first base. Herrera is being eased into throwing and hitting in camp but is expected to be fully healthy for Opening Day.

Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said Thursday that Herrera (elbow) remains limited with his throwing and hitting, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Herrera underwent surgery in November to remove bone spurs from his right elbow, so he's being eased into things in spring training. The elbow rehab will keep Herrera from participating in the World Baseball Classic for his native Panama due to insurance issues, but it is not expected to affect his Opening Day availability. Herrera is attempting to return to catcher in 2026 after the elbow issue limited him to designated hitter duty for the final few months of the 2025 season.

Herrera (elbow) was cleared to begin a throwing program earlier in January and is expected to begin hitting and defensive drills this week, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Herrera underwent surgery in November to remove bone spurs from his right elbow, an injury that limited him to designated-hitter duty in the final few months of the 2025 season. The 25-year-old is expected to be ready to roll for the start of spring training. Herrera will attempt to return to the catching position in 2026, though Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol indicated that the team's evaluation of Herrera at catcher will likely continue into the regular season. For fantasy purposes, Herrera will enter 2026 as utility-eligible only, but he could regain catcher eligibility early on.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Monday that Herrera (elbow) will begin throwing in a matter of weeks, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Herrera underwent surgery in November to remove bone spurs from his right elbow and remains in the rehab phase of his recovery. The Cardinals anticipate him being ready to go for the beginning of spring training. Herrera will receive another opportunity to catch in 2026 after injuries limited him to designated hitter in the second half, though he is not expected to be a full-time catcher.

Herrera (elbow) will return to catcher next season but is not expected to do so in a full-time capacity, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Herrera was the Cardinals' everyday designated hitter during the second half, but the plan is for him to return to catcher next season. However, while catcher is slated to be his primary position, it sounds like Herrera will still see lots of playing time in the DH slot. Jimmy Crooks is the favorite to pick up starts at catcher on days Herrera serves as the DH. Herrera underwent surgery last month to remove bone spurs from his right elbow, but he is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.

Herrera underwent surgery Wednesday to have bone spurs removed from his right elbow, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

It had been reported in September that Herrera would have offseason elbow surgery after his arm had bothered him for a couple years. The procedure is considered minor and is not expected to affect his offseason workouts or readiness for spring training. Herrera slashed .284/.373/.464with 19 home runs over 107 games for the Cardinals this season. He was a full-time designated hitter during the second half, but Herrera will prepare exclusively as a catcher this offseason.

Herrera went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run, a walk and a second run scored in Tuesday's 9-8 win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Herrera sparked the Cardinals' comeback effort with his blast in the seventh inning. He's homered in three straight games and has his safely in 11 of his last 12 contests, going 14-for-45 (.311) with five long balls in that productive stretch. For the season, the 25-year-old is on the brink of a 20-homer campaign -- he's hit 19 of them while adding 65 RBI, 53 runs scored, eight stolen bases and a .283/.375/.471 slash line through 103 games this year.

Herrera went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and two walks in Monday's victory over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Herrera tied the game in the fifth inning with a two-run homer off Justin Verlander, sparking a Cardinals win. The 25-year-old has been one of the brightest spots in St. Louis this year, slashing .281/.372/.462 with 13 doubles, 18 homers and 62 RBI in 102 games. While he showed promise with an .800 OPS in 72 games last season, Herrera's ability to maintain strong rate stats while boosting his overall production in 2025 makes this breakout especially encouraging.