Carlos Martinez appears to be a favorite for the final spot in the rotation following the trade of Shelby Miller, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak indicated during an interview with MLB Network Radio on Tuesday.
"He'll be given a clean path to fifth spot, if he comes to spring training prepared," Mozeliak said.
Martinez spent most of the 2014 season in the Cardinals' bullpen, but he did make seven starts, going 2-1 with a 4.45 ERA. Overall, he was 2-4 with a 4.03 ERA in 57 appearances.