Cardinals' Ivan Herrera Limited Post-Elbow Surgery, Opening Day Safe

Cardinals president Chaim Bloom reported that Ivan Herrera (elbow) remains limited in throwing and hitting during spring training. Herrera underwent surgery in November to remove bone spurs from his right elbow and is being eased back. The rehab prevents him from playing in the World Baseball Classic for Panama due to insurance, but it is not expected to impact his Opening Day availability. Herrera aims to return to catcher in 2026 after his elbow limited him to designated hitter duty for the final months of the 2025 season.