Postcard from Cardinals spring training camp for Thursday, March 14, 2024
Result: Cardinals 0, Mets 0 (9 innings)
Weather: 82 degrees, sunny
By Rob Rains
JUPITER, Fla. – For the second time in two starts this spring, Lance Lynn’s day ended in the Cardinals’ bullpen on Thursday.
This time, however, he was there because of how efficiently he pitched when he was in the game.
Lynn’s first start ended abruptly when he was ejected by Angel Hernandez, who also ordered him to leave the bullpen instead of allowing him to throw the extra pitches he didn’t get to throw during the game.
“Stayed in the game,” Lynn said Thursday. “All in all it was a good day.”
On Thursday, after giving up only one hit in four innings against the Mets on 58 pitches, Lynn got in the final pitches he needed for the day in the bullpen.
“Didn’t get thrown out of that either,” Lynn said.
Lynn did not walk a hitter and recorded four strikeouts against a lineup that included many of the Mets regulars.
Hernandez was on the umpire crew on Thursday, but this time was working the bases
“I didn’t say a word to him so it was perfect,” Lynn said.
Here is how Thursday’s game broke down:
High: Paul Goldschmidt tumbled down the dugout steps trying to catch a foul popup, but avoided injury.
Low: The Cardinals had only three hits, all singles, and only had six baserunners in the game.
At the plate: The Cardinals’ hits came from Willson Contreras, Matt Carpenter and Dylan Carlson … The team combined for 14 strikeouts, including twov each by Nolan Arenado, Carpenter and Thomas Saggese.
On the mound: After Lynn, the Cardinals used four of their relievers expected to begin the regular season in the bullpen with Ryan Helsley, JoJo Romero, Giovanny Gallegos and Andrew Kittredge each working a scoreless inning, allowed a combined two hits and only one walk … Kyle Leahy pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to finish off the shutout.
Worth noting: The Cardinals officially said that Tommy Edman will begin the regular season on the injured list. He will not try to swing a bat again for at least a week as he continues his recovery from off-season surgery on his right wrist … Lars Nootbaar, out with two non-displaced fractures in his ribs, is set to be re-evaluated on Saturday … The team will know more about Sonny Gray’s next step on Friday after seeing how he recovers from Thursday’s bullpen session, his second since injuring his hamstring last week … The Cardinals sent 10 players back to the minor league complex – pitchers Tekoah Roby, Sem Robberse, Gordon Graceffo, Ryan Loutos, Michael McGreevy and Connor Thomas; catchers Aaron Antonini and Jimmy Crooks and infielders Arquimedes Gamboa and Jeremy Rivas. The team now has 46 players remaining in the camp … Roby was someone who caught manager Oli Marmol’s eye. “I think it’s a very interesting arm when you look at what he brings to the table,” Marmol said. “There’s some real upside there of a guy who can have an impact not just fill a gap. He’s exciting for sure.”
Up next: The Cardinals will have their first of two prospect breakout games on Friday at 2 p.m Eastern time followed by a 6:05 p.m. game against the Marlins. Tink Hence is scheduled to start the prospect game with Steven Matz getting the start in the night game.
Follow Rob Rains on Twitter @RobRains
