Postcard from Cardinals spring training camp for Monday, March 9, 2026
Results: Cardinals 7, Orioles 2
Astros 10, Cardinals 3
By Rob Rains
JUPITER, Fla. – Even though he wasn’t certain what would happen in his first big-league spring training camp with the Cardinals, there was one thing that Joshua Baez would not have predicted.
The 22-year-old outfielder, with only 79 games of experience above Class A, did not foresee becoming one of the top stories in the camp.
Baez homered for the third consecutive game in the home half of Monday’s split-squad games, another long blast, as he continued to make a strong impression.
Despite that success, the Cardinals – thinking long-term versus short term – optioned Baez to Triple A Memphis after the game.
The homer from Baez was one of four homers by the Cardinals in the game, all from prospects. JJ Wetherholt hit his second of the spring and Chase Davis, a former first-round draft pick, homered twice.
Baez, a former second-round pick, had a breakout season in 2025 which he split between Class A Peoria and Double A Springfield.
Having success this spring, in front of the major-league staff, has been different, he said.
“I just wanted to have fun and have confidence,” Baez said. “I kind of surprised myself; I didn’t think I was going to be able to get into the game almost every single day. It’s great to get the opportunity.
“Spring matters, but I feel like I proved myself last year. You always want to continue to perform, and it’s great to be able to do that.”
The Cardinals have an opening in their projected starting outfield because of the injury to Lars Nootbaar and Baez, now hitting .333, made a strong bid but the Cardinals opted for the safe approach in letting him begin the season in Triple A.
“Josh has been really impressive lately,” said bench coach Daniel Descalso, the acting manager in Jupiter. “He has a quiet intensity about him but he’s worked hard and shown up ready to play … As a young player you take advantage of your opportunities.”
Here is how Monday’s games broke down:
High: All of the home runs came from players 24 years old or younger.
Low: Richard Fitts had a tough start against the Astros, allowing six hits and four runs in 2 2/3 innings.
At the plate: The Cardinals had only two hits against the Orioles that were not one of the four home runs … The homers from Wetherholt and Baez were both two-run shots while Davis hit a two-run blast and a solo homer … In West Palm Beach, Nelson Velazques had two hits, including an RBI single … Nathan Church singled to drive in the other run … Jordan Walker had one hit in four at-bats but struck out in his other three at-bats.
On the mound: Matthew Liberatore continued his strong spring, striking out seven in five innings against the Orioles. He gave up two runs but did not walk a batter … Fitts could not get through his scheduled three innings of work against the Astros but did record three strikeouts and also did not issue a walk … Chris Roycroft worked a 1-2-3 inning on just seven pitches, striking out two, against the Orioles and George Soriano allowed a hit but also had two strikeouts in his scoreless inning.
Worth noting: In the other roster cuts, pitchers Quinn Mathews, Cooper Hjerpe, Brycn Mautz and Nick Raquet were sent to the minor-league camp. There are 46 players left in camp … Ivan Herrera’s sore knee is responding to rest and treatment. He was scheduled to go through a full workout on Monday and be re-evaluated on Tuesday but with the team on the road the next two days it is likely he won’t play again until Thursday.
Up next: The Cardinals plan to go with a bullpen game on Tuesday as they play the Mets in Port St. Lucie. At least five relievers are set to pitch in the game, including Matt Pushard, JJ Romero, Ryne Stanek, Riley O’Brien and Packy Naughton.
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