Postcard from Cardinals spring training camp for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
Result: Cardinals 10, Marlins 2
Weather: Cloudy, 80 degrees
By Rob Rains
JUPITER, Fla. – Most of the conversation this spring on who should be the Cardinals’ left fielder when the regular season begins, in place of the injured Lars Nootbaar, has centered on Nathan Church, Thomas Saggese, Jose Fermin and Nelson Velazquez, a non-roster candidate.
Bryan Torres wants to be included in that mix.
All of the candidates bring a different skillset to the position, with three of them having the advantage of being right-handed hitters.
Torres, despite being a lefthanded hitter, has the unique ability to get on base, however, which cannot be ignored. He finished third in the International League batting race last season with a .328 average for Memphis and led the league with a .441 on-base percentage.
Torres made his fourth start in the Cardinals’ eighth spring game on Saturday, his second in left field, and despite going hitless in four at-bats is confident that he could do the job if given a chance.
“Every time you get on the field you are going to compete,” Torres said. “I do anything I can so I can make it happen.”
Torres has had a long journey to get to this point in his career. He has played in the minors since 2015, when he broke in with the Brewers, and even spent two years in independent baseball before he was signed by the Cardinals.
“I’ve spent a lot of time already in baseball so I think I probably manage all these kinds of things different,” he said. “While I’m here I’m trying to work to prepare myself for the season.
“I’m here, being me, and keep doing my job how I’ve been doing it all these years. That’s the way I am going to contribute in the big leagues. If that’s the spot they need right now, then I’m the guy.”
Torres is leaving the Cardinals camp on Sunday to join the Puerto Rico team, managed by Yadier Molina, in the World Baseball Classic. The team will train in Fort Myers for a few days before their pool of games begin in San Juan.
“Playing in the WBC for me, that’s huge,” he said. “Since you were a young kid, you want to represent your country. It’s probably the biggest thing I’ve experienced in baseball.
“I haven’t played in the big leagues yet, I don’t know how it feels. But this is going to be a blast.”
Here is how Saturday’s game broke down:
High: The Cardinals scored six runs in the second inning and went on to pound out a spring-high 18 hits.
Low: Michael McGreevy could not get through his scheduled three innings of work, needing 57 pitches to record seven outs.
At the plate: It was another good day for JJ Wetherholt, who had a two-run single in the six-run second and finished the day 2-of-2 with three RBIs and drew his fifth walk in 13 plate appearances this spring … Jordan Walker also had two hits and two RBIs … Victor Scott II beat out a bunt single and stole his first base of the spring … Cesar Prieto had a two-run homer in the second and added a double … Masyn Winn reached base three times with two hits and a walk.
On the mound: McGreevy gave up one run, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out two … Ryne Stanek made his Cardinals debut with a 1-2-3 inning, striking out two … Packy Naughton worked his third scoreless inning in as many outings … The other run for Miami came on a home run off Matt Svanson.
Worth noting: Hunter Dobbins checked off another box on his way toward being cleared for full baseball activities as he continues his recovery from last summer’s torn ACL. He pitched three innings of live batting practice and then did some modified fielding drills, one of the last hurdles he needs to clear, working in a controlled setting, before pitching in a game. He likely will appear in minor-league games before camp ends … Despite the game being across the state in Bradenton, Dustin May will make his first start for the Cardinals against the Pirates on Thursday.
Up next: The Pirates make the trip across the state on Sunday to play the Cardinals in Jupiter. Kyle Leahy will get the start.
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