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Willson Contreras was struck in the right foot by Kyle Freeland’s fourth-inning pitch, leaving him listed day-to-day with a right foot contusion. He stayed in the game through the sixth before being withdrawn and replaced by Nolan Gorman. X-rays showed no structural damage, easing immediate health fears. Contreras has been a frequent target this season, already hit by 18 pitches, the NL lead, and he also pacing St. Louis with 16 homers and 65 RBIs. The Cardinals may lean on Andrew Knizner behind the dish if Contreras needs time, while Gorman’s baserunning and bat presence could shuffle at-bats and defensive alignments as Contreras’ status remains uncertain.

The incident underscores Contreras’ value and durability as a middle-of-the-order bat, even as his HBP pace continues to be a talking point around fantasy rosters. With Contreras sidelined, the Cardinals’ daily mix of catching options and bench depth tightens the value calculus for owners, especially in weekly formats. The Rockies’ Freeland avoided a bigger setback for his team, but the data point reinforces how a single pitch can ripple through a lineup, both in real-world and fantasy contexts.

Contreras leads the Cardinals with 16 home runs and 65 RBIs, and his 18 HBPs this season have been a notable in-season trend. The combination of on-field impact and health status makes this a pivotal week for STL fantasy managers, who will be watching any official injury update closely and weighing increases in upside for Knizner and possibly Gorman as Contreras’ status evolves.

In daily fantasy and season-long leagues, Contreras’ probable absence could push rosters toward opportunistic pickups, with Knizner serving as a potential streaming option in favorable matchups and Gorman providing a late-season boost if he gains regular plate appearances. The Cardinals’ offense remains potent, but health-driven lineup shifts will be the key fantasy variable this week.