Nearby Sauget park to host Cards' alt site

The Cardinals on Tuesday announced that they have struck a partnership with the Gateway Grizzlies -- a member of the independent Frontier League -- to host their alternate training site at GCS Credit Union Ballpark in Sauget, Ill.

The move is a change -- and one of much closer proximity -- after the club used the facilities at Double-A Springfield for the 2020 alternate training site. The Grizzlies’ ballpark is about eight miles away from Busch Stadium, setting up a more cohesive relationship, the club hopes.

“Just seemed logical that if we could get something closer, I think from a convenience standpoint for our players, it would make more sense,” said president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. “And then, hopefully, if there does need to be some interaction with this group, we just have a lot more access.”

The alternate training site, like in 2020, will be used as a training base for players on the taxi squad and who could be possible roster callups before the Minor Leagues' seasons begin; last week, the Triple-A schedule was pushed back a month to begin in May. A maximum of 28 players will be permitted at the camp, which will be run by the staff of Triple-A Memphis.

As it stands, the Cardinals plan to treat their alternate training site like an extension of Spring Training -- just without the Florida sunshine. Those who inhabit the site will likely make up the bulk of who’s expected to be on the Triple-A roster once the season starts, Mozeliak said.

Scrimmages are not out of the question, Mozeliak added, though it’ll depend on the ease of planning with other clubs. The Cards also plan to get their alternate training site players working out under the lights of Busch Stadium when the big league club is on the road, something that wasn’t possible with the alternate training site over 200 miles away in Springfield last season.

"The Village of Sauget is thrilled to step up to the plate for the Cardinals and provide a platform for them to thrive at GCS Credit Union Ballpark,” Sauget mayor Rich Sauget Jr. said in a statement. “Sauget has long been the smallest town in America with professional baseball. Now we will get the chance to welcome an MLB franchise to show that, no matter its size, Sauget can shine on the biggest stage."

Players who aren’t included in the alternate training site -- namely, younger prospects and Minor Leaguers who weren’t expected to start the year at Triple-A -- will stick back for a Minor League camp in Florida. The hope is that the Cards will eventually schedule scrimmages with their facility-mate, the Marlins, at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

Martínez finds a rhythm
Carlos Martínez hit a small yet significant milestone for Cardinals starters this Spring Training in St. Louis' 5-3 loss to the Mets on Tuesday: He became just the second to record all three outs in the first inning.

Truth be told, Martínez looked much sharper in his second outing of March, working through traffic on the bases for three strikeouts and three scoreless innings. Martínez was tagged for six runs across 1 2/3 innings on Thursday against Houston.

“Being focused is my goal in Spring Training,” Martínez said. “To bring the focus to Opening Day and to the season. I’m working on that.”

Martínez threw 53 pitches (33 strikes) and averaged 92 mph on his fastball as he ramps up for a spot in the rotation. His role has become more important now with the health of Miles Mikolas (right shoulder) in question.

Pitching plans
Jordan Hicks’ awaited return to facing opponents will come on Wednesday, when he takes part in a “B” game against the Nationals in West Palm Beach. Hicks has made nothing but positive impressions this spring, as he wraps up an 18-month-long return from Tommy John surgery, prolonged when he opted out of the 2020 season. Pitching coach Mike Maddux has said the flamethrower is already back to 102 mph on the radar gun.

Right-hander John Gant will start ahead of Hicks, while Jake Woodford will also pitch, continuing his candidacy as a prime option to be a swingman in the Opening Day bullpen. Jack Flaherty will start the club’s Grapefruit League game against the Nationals on the main field. First pitch vs. Washington is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. CT.

Worth noting
Harrison Bader (right forearm soreness) was originally penciled in to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday, but manager Mike Shildt said that’ll come on Wednesday instead. Bader has appeared in just two Grapefruit League games as he works around the ailment and looks to solidify his role as the starting center fielder.