Cards Central

Breaking down the St. Louis Cardinals Roster


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Roster Breakdown for Opening Day
  • The Cardinals have finalized their 26-man roster for the season.
  • The biggest surprise was Michael Siani making the team, especially since Victor Scott also made it as the starting center fielder.
  • Jose Fermin was initially told he made the roster but was ultimately left off, which raised questions about possible last-minute changes in decisions.
    Starting Rotation & Pitching Decisions
    • Matthew Liberatore being named to the rotation was a significant surprise, especially with Steven Matz moving to the bullpen.
    • The Cardinals are experimenting with a six-man rotation starting April 16, possibly to manage workloads and accommodate Sonny Gray, whose velocity has been down.
    • Michael McGreevy had a strong spring but will start in Memphis, likely due to roster constraints.
    • Miles Mikolas’ performance in the first few weeks may determine his long-term role, as the team has young pitchers waiting for opportunities.
    • Bullpen moves were expected, with Roycroft and Leahy making the team, while Nick Anderson went unclaimed and will start in Memphis.
      Bench Construction & Position Players
      • The final bench spot came down to Michael Siani vs. Jose Fermin, and the team opted for Siani’s defensive versatility in the outfield.
      • Masyn Winn is expected to play 162 games at shortstop, making a true backup middle infielder unnecessary.
      • Luken Baker earned a roster spot as a right-handed bench bat.
      • The team might experiment with a defensive-heavy late-game outfield of Nootbaar (LF), Siani (CF), and Scott (RF) to support pitching.
      • Looking Ahead
        • The Cardinals open the season against the Twins, with Sonny Gray set to pitch.
        • Lineup construction discussions will continue, including the leadoff role, with candidates like Masyn Winn, Victor Scott, Lars Nootbaar, and Brendan Donovan.
        • The postgame shows will begin after every game on Sports Hub STL.
        • Tribute to Brian McKenna
          • The episode closed with a heartfelt tribute to Brian McKenna, a well-known St. Louis radio personality who was tragically killed. Both hosts shared memories of his positivity and impact.


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          Cards CentralBy STL Sports Central

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