Some St. Louis Cardinals fans are upset with Yadier Molina for playing in a professional basketball game while rehabbing from injury.
At this point, it feels safe to point out that this is likely Molina’s last season. He and Adam Wainwright have had one hell of a run, and Yadi ending his career with Albert Pujols back in his dugout just feels right.
Unfortunately, Molina has dealt with some injury issues in the first half. Andrew Knizer has taken over much of the catching duties as a result. Molina is expected to return to the team in August.
However, recent video shows Yadi playing in a basketball league in Puerto Rico.
https://twitter.com/ReligionDeporte/status/1548487399696506880
We can call that Yadi being Yadi, and if it were the offseason fans would merely laugh it off. Yet, what’s up with that injury? Isn’t Molina dealing with a knee issue?
It's so unlike him to go into a psychotic violent rage for any perceived slight. https://t.co/aIUNy42vJY
— Baseball's Best Fans (@BestFansStLouis) July 18, 2022
Cardinals: Yadier Molina plays basketball during injury rehab
Call To The Pen brought Molina’s actions into question in a recent article, and for good reason:
"“But this also leads to the question of what is going on with Molina. He may well be on the verge of getting ready for baseball activities, but the Cardinals do not seem to have an answer for that timeline. Showing up at a basketball game and having that sort of moment does not help that perception.”"
Cards fans tend to agree with this sentiment, as well.
History will show Yadi didn't leave country to rehab his knee. It will show he went to Puerto Rico to get away from the analytics management of Marmol. Not a chance in hell those two get along. If they did, Yadi would be there helping the team, as he always has for 19 years.
— 🍍Saint Lou🍍 (@SaintLou17) July 18, 2022
https://twitter.com/DavidBardgett/status/1548717389080104963
What in the hell is going on? Does he not want to play anymore? Shouldn’t our captain be on a rehab assignment and/or around the team trying to help this makeshift pitching staff? Why is there no STL media talking about this? #stlcards @Cardinals
— Chris Wildt (@ChrisWildt) July 17, 2022
Bruh, is he hurt or not? wtf
— Delusional Cardinals Fan (@Granth3Goat) July 17, 2022
https://twitter.com/DuckyPickles/status/1548720333955469314
Very interesting for a guy who is “hurt”! Yadi is my favorite all-time cardinal but what is up with him this final season?
— Steven Baum (@Steve_Baum) July 17, 2022
Valid questions from a fanbase that has long expected quite a bit from their backstop. While it is Molina’s last season, the Cards are battling for a playoff spot in the NL Central. Hopefully, for their sake, Yadi can be back at full strength come early August.
If not, expect the pressure to ramp up.