Result: Nationals 12, Cardinals 1
Weather: 71 degrees, sunny
By Rob Rains
JUPITER, Fla. – With every passing day this spring, Cardinals manager Oli Marmol can see Willson Contreras becoming more comfortable at first base.
He also likes it when he gets tested in different ways, which happened on Thursday when Contreras had to field a ball that first hit off the first base bag.
“You want all of it, to experience as many of those plays as possible,” Marmol said. “He handled it well. He doesn’t look sped up at first, regardless of situation. He’s under control with everything, which is good to see.”
It also doesn’t surprise Marmol.
“Our initial conversation (about making the position change) his response was that he wants to be a good defender over there,” Marmol said.
The move also is having positive results offensively, including another two-hit day in the game against the Nationals.
“There is a lot of preparation that goes into catching so I think it does free him up offensively,” Marmol said.
Here is how Thursday’s game broke down:
High: Contreras’ 2-of-3 day raised his spring average to an even .500, overtaking Victor Scott II for the team lead.
Low: Masyn Winn was 0-of-3 and struck out twice, dropping his spring average to .048. He also committed a fielding error which led to a run.
At the plate: The Cardinals had only three hits other than the pair of singles by Contreras. A single by Brendan Donovan drove in their only run, their only hit in three at-bats with a runner in scoring position … Lars Nootbaar had a single and walked in three plate appearances … Scott was hitless in three at-bats, dropping his average to .467.
On the mound: Erick Fedde did not allow a hit over three scoreless innings, working around two walks. He got seven of his nine outs on groundballs … Tekoah Roby gave up a two-run homer and Winn’s error led to another unearned run …. Most of the rest of the damage from the Nationals, which included an eight-run sixth inning, came against minor leaguers.
Worth noting: Jordan Walker’s left knee is responding to treatment, and the soreness in his knee will dictate how long it will be before he returns to the lineup. “He’s feeling pretty good,” Marmol said. “It could be a week, it could be less.” … The rosters were announced for this year’s prospect breakout game, which will be March 14 against the Marlins. Top prospects Quinn Mathews and J.J. Wetherholt will play, as will Thomas Saggese. Former first-round picks Cooper Hjerpe and Chase Davis also are on the roster, as are catchers Jimmy Crooks and Leo Bernal. The youngest player on the roster is 17-year-old shortstop Yairo Padilla, who played in the Dominican Summer League last year … Marmol had a lot of praise for Wetherholt on Thursday. “I’m highly impressed with J.J.,” Marmol said. “We’re going to give him as many opportunities as possible while we have him here … I feel like he has made the most out of his time here.”
Up next: The Cardinals will play their first night game of the spring on Friday, beginning at 6:05 p.m. Eastern time in Jupiter. Miles Mikolas will get the start against the Astros.
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