JUPITER, Fla. (AP) -- The St. Louis Cardinals have picked Carlos Martinez to start on opening night against the World Series champion Chicago Cubs.
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny told Martinez about the choice before he pitched Wednesday in an exhibition game against Washington.
''He was excited,'' Matheny said.
The Cardinals host the NL Central rival Cubs on April 2.
Adam Wainwright had started the past four openers for the Cardinals. Matheny said Wainwright, who will pitch the second game, took the news well about Martinez.
''It's nice having the conversation with somebody that just gets it,'' Matheny said.