Katie Woo article reveals a plan
Today’s article from Katie Woo for the Athletic reveals some rotation plans and other insightful spring training wrap up notes, along with the news that Victor Scott II will be the starting center fielder.
It is confirmed (at least going by this article, please read) that Michael Siani will be the fourth outfielder behind Scott, Walker, and of course Lars Nootbaar, who will play left field. Siani will function essentially as a defensive replacement.
We have also learned that the six man rotation will be a thing, but not until April 16, which is six weeks after they use a five man rotation to begin the season. This appears to give Matz a little extra time to prepare for being in the six man rotation, and perhaps is an effort to limit his innings total (which would obviously be an act of faith given the guy’s injury history).
Sonny Gray, Eric Fedde, Miles Mikolas, and up and comers Andre Pallante and Matthew Liberatore have been named the starting five during the first six weeks.
McGreevy does not break camp because not only is there a glut of starting toucher options, the AAA rotation needs some help and McGreevy is that guy, for now.
Fermin and Barrero also did not make the roster, which is now finalized at 26 players.
If ever there was an extremely obvious spring training performance that muscled someone onto an opening day roster, it’s Victor Scott II’s 2025 spring training batting line of 1.172 OPS with a .349 batting average with a double threat of speed and power when looking at his 5 stolen bases and 4 home runs. He has spoken of one of the home runs hitting a golf ball with just the right iron and stroke, that it seemed easy.
Whether this is a repeat of last year and another fleeting spring training mirage, or a legitimate break out for a good player, only time and baseball games will tell. Michael Siani is always there for you if all else fails.
Ultimately there will be some platooning of center field, and who knows how many different players will play out there this season.
In other news Dylan Carlson did not make the MLB Orioles opening day roster. So at least one Cardinals player didn’t do well after flying the coop.
You can probably expect a lot more analysis of today’s news on Viva El Birdos in the coming days from some other viewpoints and more in depth analysis of these roster machinations.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6218906/2025/03/23/cardinals-opening-day-roster-victor-scott-ii/
