CHICAGO • The Cardinals did not take batting practice on the field Monday due to the Chicago Cubs suggesting there was a threat of thunderstorms.
"Grab an umbrella," manager Mike Matheny said.
He leaned forward to look out of the dugout at 90-degree and sunny skies. Whatever thunderstorm was expected either passed earlier in the afternoon or didn't arrive as planned.
"Ponchos," Matheny said, wryly.
He shrugged when asked if he thought it was a little gamesmanship by the Cubs.
"We play better after we hit in the cages," he said.
Some other nuggets from the pregame media meetings:
- Brayan Pena is back in St.