JUPITER, Fla. — Yadier Molinais back and both he und the St. Louis CardinalsIt couldn’t have been more perfect.
Molina, 39, arrived Monday at the Cardinals’ Complex after missing the first week camp due to personal reasons. This will be likely his last spring training.
Molina shared that although it’s been hard the past few months, everything is now in order. “It’s a pleasure to be back.”
Oliver Marmol, St. Louis manager welcomed Molina to his team in a closed meeting. The cheers and applause from his fellow teammates could be heard outside of the concrete building.
Prior to that, Molina was a grinning messiah who couldn’t take more steps than a few without another teammate walking over and hugging him.
“I’m already on the third hug complete, just a couple of minutes ago,” pitcher Adam Wainwright said. “I’m going to go over there for four of you in less than a minute. “Really excited for my friend.”
Wainwright & Molina will share 20 starts this season. This breaks the major league record of 325 batteries held by former players Detroit TigersBill Freehan, Bill Lolich, and Mickey Lolich are the players
Marmol, a rookie manager, will write Molina’s name onto the lineup card. He’ll also insert a 10-time Gold Glover winner and nine-time All-Star behind Molina’s plate. He’ll be the unquestioned team leader.
Marmol stated that he is an integral part of the culture and everything we do. “Him walking through these doors means a lot.”
Molina was aware he would be late camp but could not inform the Cardinals as lockout rules prohibited communication between players or teams.
Molina stated, “I would have liked to be here from Day 1 but they understand my circumstances.” “They are happy for my return. They are happy for me to be back.
Molina had been exercising during the offseason. However, he still believes he will need to rest for a few days before he can get back to baseball form. Molina could be even more uncomfortable at the plate when he faces major league pitchers.
He said, “That’s going be a hard one.”
Molina did not wear his Cardinals uniform but he did head to the backfields of St. Louis for Monday’s pregame workout. When the Cardinals travel south to face Molina, he won’t make it in the lineup. WashingtonLater in the evening
Molina said that it would take him “four to five days” to be ready for a Grapefruit League match.
Marmol said, “I don’t see a lot of challenges to being honest with you.” Marmol stated, “This is a guy who, whether it be spring training or injury preparation, tends have a really good sense of his body and overall awareness about what he requires. It’s important to be aware of what this looks like before we jump in. It shouldn’t be an issue.”