JUPITER, Fla. — St. Louis CardinalsCatcher Yadier MolinaHe could arrive late to what could be his final spring training.
Molina, 39 years old, will enter his 19th season, and possibly final, with St. Louis. Molina, a 10-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove recipient, agreed to a $10million, one-year contract in August.
John Mozeliak, St. Louis president of MLB operations, said Monday that he did not have details beyond the fact that he had contacted me a few days before to inform me that he would be late due to personal issues. “I said it’s fine. “I do hope to speak to him in the coming days to gain some clarity.”
Relief Genesis Cabrera Giovanny GallegosThere will also be late arrivals. Cabrera had issues with his flight. Gallegos was late due to personal reasons.
Right-hander Alex ReyesA 2021 All-Star player who saved 29 matches is currently experiencing shoulder issues. He was sent to St. Louis for further tests. Mozeliak would not speculate on when Reyes will return this spring.
Reyes, 27, will compete for a spot on the starting rotation.
Adam WainwrightThe team had their first live bullpen session this spring, so they got back to work. Wainwright, 40, is also about to begin what could be his last major league season.
Nolan ArenadoWainwright drove a pitch from Wainwright over the wall in right center. Wainwright moved to the front mound to pick up a few leaves and toss them into the wind as Arenado’s fellow hitters cheered.
Wainwright later stated in the clubhouse, “It was wind-aided.” “It would’ve been a double.”
Wainwright’s walk to the mound attracted cheers from Cardinals fans who gathered in the back fields. Last year, spring training was not possible for fans due to COVID-19 protocols.
“The fans are back! How great is that? Wainwright stated. It’s almost like playing again in baseball.
Wainwright just finished one of his best seasons. He went 17-7 and had a 3.05 ERA in 32 games last year.
Facing Arenado, Paul GoldschmidtTyler O’Neill, a right-hander at 6’7 inches, showed off his full arsenal for around 35 pitches.
O’Neill stated that “His sinker ran good.” He was making a nice changeup. He clearly has Uncle Charlie. It was Waino-style out there.”
Arenado requested an additional at-bat as Wainwright was approaching his pitch limit. He immediately smacked a single, to leave off a Wainwright changeup.
Wainwright, as he walked away from the mound, threw his gloves at Arenado and then hugged him.
Wainwright described it as “exciting”. It was fun. It was fun. I tried to do a little.”