Postcard from Cardinals spring training camp for Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026
Result: Cardinals 6, Astros 5
Weather: Partly cloudy, 86 degrees
By Rob Rains
JUPITER, Fla. – One of the Cardinals’ top prospects, 19-year-old catcher Rainiel Rodriguez, got the chance to join the major-league team on the road for Sunday’s game against the Astros at West Palm Beach.
After hearing so much about Rodriguez last season – when at the age of 18 he combined for 20 homers in stops at three levels of the farm system – manager Oli Marmol was eager to see Rodriguez play in a game.
Rodriguez gave him a good show.
In his first at-bat, Rodriguez ripped a double down the left-field line. He later drew a walk and reached on a fielding error in his three plate appearances.
“He has real hit-ability and power,” Marmol said. “Fun for him to get the opportunity to get a couple of at-bats.
“It’s a great opportunity for our staff to see him and for him to be around the guys and for us to learn a little bit more about him – gain some confidence of being able to play in one of these games.”
One of the positive reports Marmol received last year about Rodriguez came from Nolan Arenado, who saw him play when he was in Jupiter on a rehab assignment.
“If somebody sticks out, whoever is down there rehabbing comes back and gives us a heads up that this guy is somebody pretty interesting to watch,” Marmol said.
Rodriguez, who signed as an international free agent in 2024, began last season in the rookie level Florida Complex League before he was promoted twice, first to Palm Beach and then finishing the year at high Class A Peoria.
Combined between the three levels he posted a .276 average with the 20 homers, 22 doubles and 63 RBI in 84 games.
Here is how Sunday’s game broke down:
High: Yohel Pozo had the biggest hit of the game, a bases-loaded double that drove in two runs in a four-run third inning off former Cardinal Roddery Munoz.
Low: Minor-league pitchers Mason Burns and Darlin Saladin allowed three runs in the ninth inning before finally securing the Cardinals’ first victory of the spring.
At the plate: Thomas Saggese drove in Rodriguez with a single in the four-run third … Cesar Prieto picked up a pair of RBIs on groundouts … Jordan Walker had a single in three plate appearances and scored twice, as did non-roster outfielder Nelson Velasquez, who got the start in left field.
On the mound: Kyle Leahy struck out three in his two innings of work in his first start of the spring, but did allow a home run … Max Rajcic worked two perfect innings in relief and Chris Roycroft, Gerson Moreno and Nick Raquet each added a scoreless inning … Scott Blewitt walked two and allowed two hits in his inning of work but was only tagged for one run.
Worth noting: Ramon Urias, signed by the Cardinals on Saturday, took live batting practice against Hunter Dobbins and Matt Pushard, a Rule 5 draft selection, on a back field. Marmol said Urias could be in the lineup within a few days. He is listed on the roster for team Mexico for the World Baseball Classic but he is expected to miss the tournament and remain in the Cardinals’ camp.
Up next: The Cardinals will be back in Jupiter on Monday to host the Marlins. Michael McGreevy will make his first start of the spring with lefthander Brycen Mautz, the Cardinals’ minor-league pitcher of the year in 2025 after a big year at Springfield, scheduled to follow McGreevy on the mound.
Follow Rob Rains on X @RobRains