NEW YORK • After making two moves they hope won’t erode the depth they might need later, the Cardinals finalized their 25-man roster for Thursday’s opening day at Citi Field.
To make room for Jordan Hicks, the 21-year-old reliever, and backup catcher Francisco Pena, the Cardinals removed reliever Josh Lucas and infielder Breyvic Valera from the team’s protected, 40-man roster. Both players were designated for assignment. The Cardinals can attempt to trade either player, or see if they can slip through waivers and be placed on the Class AAA Memphis roster. Lucas had an impressive spring and remains positioned to be one of the closers for the Redbirds, while Valera is one of the few lefthanded-hitting utility fielders the Cardinals have in the organization.