WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—John Gant last started in a regular-season game for the Cardinals in 2018 but, with Miles Mikolas still a ways from pitching in a game this spring, Gant will take Mikolas’ starts in Florida and maybe more when the season begins.
His first start of the spring will come here Friday night here against St. Louisan Max Scherzer, the Washington Nationals’ longtime ace. Gant, slotted for two or three innings, will be followed by Tyler Webb, Kodi Whitley, Angel Rondon and, slated for two innings, former No. 1 draft Zack Thompson.
The 28-year-old Gant, who won 11 games in relief for the Cardinals in 2019, made 19 starts for them in 2018 and two the year before.