Paul Dejong, St. Louis Cardinals (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
With the team coming back together after the World Baseball Classic, who will likely be missing from the Cardinals’ Opening Day roster?
The St. Louis Cardinals had a unique opportunity this spring to give more youngsters a chance at making an impact on the club. Several parts of the team’s top talent pool were away at the World Baseball Classic, giving way to young talent getting a huge opportunity.
While the Opening Day roster should be finalized in the next week, several injuries have come to light, making some choices necessary.
Adam Wainwright is expected to start the season on the injured list after it was announced he suffered a groin strain while doing split squats. It seemed to be given that Wainwright, who is set to retire after this season, would be the Opening Day starter as the Cardinals are set to take on the Blue Jays in the club’s home opener.
Manager Oliver Marmol expects Wainwright will be out for several weeks. Jake Woodford, who has pitched well in Spring Training, is expected to take Wainwright’s slot in the rotation.
Paul DeJong has had a disappointing Spring after high expectations that he’d regained his form at the plate after working with new assistant hitting coach Daniel Nicolaisen.
DeJong has not played since being scratched from the lineup on March 14 as he’s suffering discomfort in his back. Marmol said DeJong can take swings, but pain prevents him from bending to field his position. The manager said DeJong’s back tightens up on him when he bends to make a play.
The team expects him to start the season on the injured list but could return sometime during April.
In the meantime, the Cardinals had plenty of competition for roster spots that will be decided in the coming days. Who will not win a coveted spot on the Cardinals’ Opening Day roster?