Postcard from Cardinals spring training camp for Saturday, March 7, 2026
Result: Mets 3, Cardinals 2
Weather: Partly cloudy, 81 degrees
By Rob Rains
JUPITER, Fla. – Riley O’Brien was supposed to be in Japan this weekend, but instead found himself on the mound on Saturday making his spring debut for the Cardinals.
The reason why O’Brien was there instead of competing for team Korea in the World Baseball Classic was a minor calf injury early in camp that forced him to withdraw from the Korean team.
After working his way through bullpen sessions and throwing live batting practice, O’Brien got into his first game – and immediately got a wake-up call.
The second batter he faced ripped a line drive right back toward the mound, but luckily it hit off O’Brien’s glove.
O’Brien was able to pitch around a hit and a walk to complete a scoreless inning.
“Mechanics were a little out of sync, I was getting a little sped up,” O’Brien said. “Kind of the first time being out there for a game, but it felt good to be out there.”
Despite the fact he didn’t make the trip to Japan, some of O’Brien’s relatives who had scheduled a visit to the country for the first round of the WBC went ahead anyway, he said.
“They were planning on going anyway, a week in Japan and a week in Korea,” O’Brien said. “They are still making a trip out of it.”
O’Brien said there is still a chance he could join the team if Korea advances past the opening weekend of the tournament, but otherwise his focus is on getting ready for the season.
Here is how Saturday’s game broke down:
High: Kyle Leahy worked four perfect innings with five strikeouts.
Low: The Cardinals could not hold a 2-0 lead, giving up a run in each of the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, with two of the runs charged to Brycen Mautz.
At the plate: Joshua Baez hit his second homer of the spring as the right-handed hitting outfielder continued his strong spring … Alec Burleson had a three-hit day, all singles … Minor-league outfielder Miguel Ugueto also homered for the Cardinals … Chase Davis struck out in all three of his at-bats … The Cardinals had only two at-bats with a runner in scoring position.
On the mound: Leahy needed only 47 pitches to get his four perfect innings, throwing 32 strikes. The Mets only hit one ball out of the infield … Mautz allowed three hits and walked two in his two innings of work … Nick Racquet worked a scoreless inning with two strikeouts.
Worth noting: Ivan Herrera was in the lineup as the DH but was scratched before the game because of knee inflammation. Manager Oli Marmol said the team plans to give him 24 to 48 hours to see how he responds to rest and treatment before he is re-evaluated … The Cardinals trimmed six players from the spring roster, including two now at the WBC, Leonardo Bernal and Bryan Torres. Also sent to the minor-league camp were catcher Jimmy Crooks, infielder Cesar Prieto and pitchers Tink Hence and Skylar Hales … Former Cardinal Kolten Wong is scheduled to arrive in camp on Monday to serve as a guest instructor for several days.
Up next: The Cardinals will be the visiting team for Sunday’s game against the Marlins in Jupiter. Andre Pallante will get the start.
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