Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar: Diagnosed with fractured ribs

Nootbaar has been diagnosed with two non-displaced fractures in his left ribcage, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

He suffered the injury nearly a week ago while making a twisting catch during a Grapefruit League game. Nootbaar will be monitored over the next 10-14 days and could swing a bat during that time based on his pain tolerance. The Cardinals are not yet ruling him out for Opening Day, but it would appear to be a long shot. St. Louis appears likely to be without two starting outfielders to begin the year with Tommy Edman (wrist) also banged up. Dylan Carlson and perhaps Alec Burleson could pick up the slack in the meantime. Top prospect Victor Scott could also potentially work his way into the mix.