Arenado, nearing next step in recovery, reunites with team in Miami

MIAMI -- Although not fully ready to ramp it up, injured Cardinals star third baseman Nolan Arenado feels confident enough about taking another important step in his recovery.

Arenado, who has been sidelined since Aug. 1 because of a right shoulder strain, will begin light hitting later this week while he rehabs at the Cardinals’ Spring Training complex in Jupiter, Fla. The early phase of Arenado’s rehab has consisted of fielding ground balls, running and lower body lifts.

“Obviously frustrated, but at the same time, I see myself getting better,” Arenado said Tuesday before the Cardinals' 7-4 win over the Marlins at loanDepot park. “I’m just trying to look at the positives and stay positive about those things. I like the way I’m starting to feel and [am] hopeful that the pain goes away soon and I can come back and play.”

With the Cardinals’ complex located in neighboring Palm Beach County, Arenado joined his teammates for the duration of their stay in Miami. He had his uniform set at his corner locker in the visitors' clubhouse.

“It’s not that far away from where I’m working and I just wanted to see the guys, talk to them and hang out,” Arenado said. “It’s fun to be back. I’m just here to support them. Obviously, if they have questions, I’ll talk to them about whatever. Like I always do.”

Even if Arenado can’t play, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol recognizes the presence he has on his club.

“He texted me while we were back home that he’d like to pop in after his workout [Monday] in Jupiter and spend a couple of days here,” Marmol said. “Obviously, having him around is always a good thing. If it’s two days down here, we’ll take it.”

The eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award winner is undergoing the toughest season of his 13-year career. Before his injury, Arenado was batting .235 and had a .660 OPS -- both career lows. The power numbers have also taken a dip, with just 10 homers and 43 RBIs in 394 plate appearances.

However, Arenado’s defense has remained solid, boasting a fielding percentage of .988.

“I miss competing. I don’t like missing games,” Arenado said. “I love to play. Not being able to has been frustrating, but at the same time, I’ve been trying to work hard and just find my way back.”

Arenado said the shoulder injury became a residual effect of a jammed right index finger he sustained during the Cardinals’ game in Cleveland on June 29.

“It got swollen and I wasn’t able to grip the bat properly,” Arenado said. “And it started to wear my shoulder down because I didn’t have a top hand. It’s gone downhill ever since.”

For Arenado, another hurdle will be cleared if he doesn’t experience discomfort during the light hitting sessions. At that point, he will be allowed to throw. Once the throwing and hitting sessions intensify without pain, Arenado will progress to Minor League rehab games.

“I have to come back pain-free,” Arenado said. “I feel good about the adjustments I can make. We’ll see where that takes me.

“I watch the games every night, paying attention. [I'm] not trying to look at how frustrating this year has been -- [I] try to look at what’s ahead. And I think good times are ahead.”