Calling all St. Louis Cardinals fans! Baseball season is officially back in swing and the Cardinals are gearing up for their Home Opener this Thursday evening.
Following MLB opening day, the Cardinals played the LA Dodgers in California and are now one and three to begin the season. After this rough start against the Dodgers, fans are eager to see how the team displays their athleticism in this new series against the Miami Marlins.
“After last season, I’m excited to see what they can do and what improvements they can make because they can only go up from here,” Junior Abby Woytus said.
When it comes to a team’s home opener, all eyes are on the pitcher. Until just recently, the pitcher for the Cardinals opening day was supposed to be Sonny Gray. The Cardinals obtained the well-revered player late last November in a three year contract for $75 million. Despite all the hype for the new Cardinal, Gray is unable to pitch due to a hamstring injury. However, taking the mound for the second year in a row at Busch this year is Miles Mikolas. Nevertheless, Gray is just anxious to get back out there.
“I’m not worried about my leg, but I just need to get into a game. I need to face hitters, have an umpire, have a pitch clock, and have a defense and pitch in a game,” Gray said according to MLB.com.
Although pitching is crucial to the game, so is the outfield. Gray is not the only player for the Cardinals riding the pine due to injury on Thursday. As it turns out, all the seasoned, veteran outfielders are all on the injured list (IL), leaving the outfield in the hands of the “youngsters.” Those on the IL include Dylan Carlson due to a shoulder injury, Lars Nootbar due to rib fractures, and Tommy Edman due to recurring wrist problems. On Opening Day, Jordan Walker will play right field, Brenden Donovan will play left, and the rookie Victor Scott II will debut playing center.
“Scott, 23, rose up the Cardinals prospect rankings after breaking out in his first full professional season last year. He stole 94 bases — tied for the most in the minor leagues — and took home a minor-league Gold Glove award,” Katie Woo said according to The Athletic.
Starting off the 2024 season only winning one game is beginning to resemble the unfortunate results of last year’s season. Excluding the 2023 season, 1997 and 2007 were the only other years, in a quarter century, that the Cardinal’s had a losing season, meaning they finished last in their central division. This proved that the Cardinals franchise and their fans have gotten pretty used to winning. However, many fans are concerned about what this might mean for the future of the 2024 season. This concern initially struck during their most recent series with the Dodgers, after the bullpen pitchers blew two leads in bottom innings and the team did not secure a solid offense.
“Hasn’t really clicked for the offense just yet. We’re finding ways to scratch here and there. It hasn’t really come together where guys are feeling great about where they’re at. When that happens, it will be a lot more fun,” Cardinals manager Ollie Mármol said, according to The Pantagraph.
Despite all the obstacles this team has had to deal with such as injuries, pitching errors, or their first series loss the teamwork and dedication these men have achieved during Spring Training will certainly pay off through the rest of 2024. The comeback for this team looks promising if all the kinks are worked out first. Lastly, don’t forget to come dressed down in Cardinal’s gear or red clothing to support the boys on Thursday!
