{"id":152585,"date":"2026-02-14T12:58:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T12:58:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=152585"},"modified":"2026-02-14T12:58:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T12:58:09","slug":"cardinals-star-suffers-heartbreaking-setback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=152585","title":{"rendered":"Cardinals Star Suffers Heartbreaking Setback"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

IMAGE: Apr 15, 2019; Milwaukee, WI, USA; A cap rests on the dug out wall with the number 42 on the hat in honor of Major League Baseball s Jackie Robinson Day. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images \/ Imagn Images<\/div>\n

Cardinals Catcher Iv\u00e1n Herrera Unlikely for 2026 WBC Due to Insurance Hurdle After Surgery<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the 2026 World Baseball Classic draws closer, the list of notable absences is starting to take shape-and it looks like Cardinals catcher Iv\u00e1n Herrera may be the latest name added. The young backstop is facing a unique obstacle: an insurance snag tied to his offseason surgery, which could keep him from suiting up for Team Panama.<\/p>\n

Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom confirmed that Herrera has not yet been able to secure the necessary insurance to participate in the WBC. That\u2019s a critical requirement for any player coming off a medical procedure, and right now, it\u2019s the main thing standing between Herrera and the international stage.<\/p>\n

While there’s still a chance things could change in the coming days, the outlook isn\u2019t promising. As it stands, Herrera is expected to stay stateside and continue his rehab during spring training in Jupiter, Florida. According to reports, he\u2019s set to begin drills this week, a positive step in his recovery-but one that likely comes at the expense of his WBC dreams.<\/p>\n

For the Cardinals, this development is a double-edged sword. On one hand, they lose the opportunity to see Herrera gain valuable experience in high-stakes international competition. On the other, they\u2019ll have one of their key young catchers in camp from Day 1, fully focused on getting ready for the MLB season.<\/p>\n

Herrera\u2019s potential absence adds to a growing list of WBC withdrawals this year. Earlier this week, Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks and Jackson Holliday of the Orioles were both ruled out after suffering broken hamate bones-an injury that\u2019s become all too familiar among hitters. Both players are expected to miss significant time, with Holliday\u2019s recovery likely pushing past Opening Day.<\/p>\n

And then there\u2019s the case of Javier B\u00e1ez, who won\u2019t be participating in the 2026 WBC due to a suspension stemming from a positive marijuana test during the 2023 tournament. His absence, unlike the others, comes not from injury but from disciplinary action.<\/p>\n

Herrera\u2019s situation stands apart. It\u2019s not about performance or punishment-it\u2019s about protocol. The insurance requirement is standard, especially for players coming off surgery, but it\u2019s a frustrating barrier for someone who had hoped to represent his country on the world stage.<\/p>\n

For now, Herrera will keep working his way back into game shape with the Cardinals. And while the WBC may be off the table, the bigger picture remains: a healthy, ready-to-go Iv\u00e1n Herrera could be a key piece of St. Louis\u2019 2026 plans behind the plate.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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