JUPITER, Fla. – The Cardinals figure to have a pretty good looking lineup for their Grapefruit League opener Saturday against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium.
The first spring training game sometimes features a lineup stacked with prospects or bench players but manager Mike Matheny said his lineup could look close to the one he’ll have on a regular basis during the season.
“It’s going to be pretty close,” Matheny said.
Matheny figures to get catcher Yadier Molina and outfielder Carlos Beltran more playing time than usual in the early games with both needing to get ready for the World Baseball Classic before they leave camp next week.
One of the intriguing spots to watch this spring will be second base, where Matt Carpenter is trying to work his way into the mix for playing time. Matheny wouldn’t say whether or not Carpenter would start at second base on Saturday.
Shortstop Rafael Furcal will not play Saturday and his status remains in doubt following renewed pain in the elbow this week. Asked if the pain should be called a setback, Matheny said, “I’m sure you guys will.”
Pressed further about how Furcal’s soreness should be described, Matheny said, “However you want. We’ve been very clear that he’s going to be slow in going and it’s going to be one of these things you guys sit here and ask me about every day and I’m going to give you the same answers. I’m going to listen to him and we’re going to watch. We know exactly what’s going on there. There’s going to be days he feels better and days he’s not.”
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