JUPITER, Fla. -- Insisting that he wouldn't "want anything I haven't earned," Adam Wainwright graciously congratulated Carlos Martinez on being named the team's Opening Night starter, a title that had belonged to Wainwright for the past four seasons. Martinez pitched five shutout innings Wednesday in the Cardinals' 6-1 win over the Nationals, his first start since returning from the World Baseball Classic.
"I think he earned it with the way he pitched last year, and the year before that," Wainwright said. "Vice versa, the way I pitched last year, I didn't earn that. I thought it was well-deserved."
If this was to be a decision made solely based on 2016 performance, Martinez was the obvious choice. But Wainwright's importance to the Cardinals transcends on-field results, and that's what made the decision a little less black and white.

It's also why manager Mike Matheny specifically sought out Wainwright on Wednesday morning to inform him of the team's decision.
"It's nice having a conversation with someone who just gets it," Matheny said. "I don't know any way to say it better than that. [Wainwright is] just the consummate pro."
Wainwright, whose first start will come on April 4 against the Cubs, noted that he will enjoy experiencing Opening Day "as a watcher" for a change. While Martinez is warming up for the start, Wainwright will ride into the stadium in the players' parade and will get an opportunity to shake hands with the Hall of Famers in attendance.

There's also the added motivation that comes with being passed over this year. With a bounceback season, Wainwright knows he can be in this conversation again.
"I don't want to have earned anything just because I've been here for a while," Wainwright said. "If they give me the ball on Opening Day, I want them to look at me in the eyes and go, 'This is your day. We are banking on this being your day.' That is what I want and that is what I expect next year.
"I told Mike, '[Choosing Martinez] is an easy decision for you. Next year it's going to be tough when we both go out and win 20.'"