MLB Player News

Encarnacion-Strand went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's spring game against Arizona.

Encarnacion-Strand took advantage of a Jordan Montgomery fastball that stayed up for his third Cactus League homer. Coming back from a wrist injury that limited him to 29 games in 2024, Encarnacion-Strand appears healthy in camp. He's mainly batted in the lower half of the order this spring, but he could provide a middle-of-the-order presence if he continues to mash. Capable of playing both corner infield spots, Encarnacion-Strand has started mostly at first base and is looking like the favorite to win the job. His cause is aided by the shoulder injury to Spencer Steer, who may open the regular season on the IL.

Walker (knee) progressed to hitting soft toss Saturday and is set to be re-evaluated Monday, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Nursing some inflammation in his left knee, Walker had taken dry swings Friday and has also played some catch. The young outfielder should be cleared to ramp up his activities if his evaluation Monday goes well. Walker is projected to be the Cardinals' primary right fielder this season.

Naylor went 1-for-2 with a walk in Saturday's split-squad game against the Athletics.

After going hitless in his Cactus League debut, Naylor has hit in eight consecutive games and is 11-for-24 (.458) with four doubles and three RBI on the spring. He may not be able to replicate the defense of three-time Gold Glove winner Christian Walker, Arizona's starting first baseman in 2024, but Naylor's bat is expected to replace the production lost when Walker signed with Houston this offseason.

Puk allowed one hit and struck out two over one scoreless inning in Saturday's spring game against the Reds.

Puk worked a scoreless fifth inning and has yet to allow a run over four Cactus League innings. He's given up two hits and two walks while striking out five. The left-hander was followed by righty Justin Martinez, who gave up three runs over a third of an inning. The two are considered the front-runners for save opportunities this season in Arizona.

Fernandez is the favorite to open the season as the Cardinals' primary right-handed setup man, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

JoJo Romero is expected to be the main setup man from the left side for closer Ryan Helsley. Fernandez had a terrific rookie season in 2024 after the Cardinals plucked him in the Rule 5 Draft, posting a 3.51 ERA and 71:32 K:BB over 66.2 innings. He's also been superb so far this spring, tossing five hitless and scoreless innings with a 9:2 K:BB. Those in holds leagues should consider Fernandez, who also could eventually get a chance for some saves if St. Louis winds up shipping Helsley out by the trade deadline.

Carroll started in right field, batted leadoff and went 2-for-3 with a run scored in Saturday's spring game against Cincinnati.

Carroll returned to the lineup after missing the last few days. He had been set to return Friday, but that game was canceled due to weather. He's mostly batted second during Cactus League competition, but with split-squad games Saturday, both Carroll and Ketel Marte were atop the separate batting orders. Marte has been the regular leadoff hitter when both players have been in a lineup.

Gorman is just 4-for-26 with a 9:1 K:BB over his first nine Grapefruit League contests this spring.

Gorman worked with new hitting coach Brant Brown over the offseason on his plate discipline, but he has struggled to put those tips into action so far in camp. The Cardinals have pledged to give the 24-year-old a long leash this season, so Gorman is expected to open the year with a regular role -- likely bouncing between second base and designated hitter -- regardless of how he performs this spring. Potential fantasy investors would still like to see him string together some hits, however.

Gallen allowed one run on three walks while striking out three over two hitless innings in Saturday's split-squad start against the Reds.

The negatives are obviously the walks, but Gallen told Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports that he had success with the curveball in his third Cactus League start. The right-hander threw 52 pitches (24 strikes) as he builds up ahead of Opening Day.

Barrero could be competing with Jose Fermin for the final spot on the Cardinals' bench, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Working in Barrero's favor is that the Cardinals lack a true backup shortstop and are also left-handed heavy in the outfield. The right-handed hitting Barrero is a natural shortstop and can also play the outfield, making him a fit to fill a versatile bench role. Barrero, who is in camp as a non-roster invitee, has two home runs and one stolen base in 11 games this spring. The former top prospect hasn't played in the majors since June of 2023.

Profar flew to Atlanta on Sunday to undergo a CT scan on his jammed left wrist, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The 32-year-old had X-rays come back negative after suffering the injury during Saturday's Grapefruit League matchup with the Pirates, but he's set to receive another round of imaging. The results of Profar's CT scan are expected to be available Monday. If he's unavailable to begin the regular season, Bryan De La Cruz and Jarred Kelenic would likely fill starting roles in Atlanta's outfield, rather than platooning in right field.