FILE - In this Sept. 23, 2018, file photo, St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Miles Mikolas throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in St. Louis. Mikolas is open to discussing a long-term deal with the Cardinals rather than wait to go on the open market after the season. The 30-year-old right-hander returned to the major leagues last year after three seasons in Japan, agreeing to a $15.5 million, two-year contract with the Cardinals. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
Jeff RobersonJUPITER, Fla. • Mike Shildt had alluded to Miles Mikolas possibly starting the season opener a couple of times already this spring, including strongly so on Friday, but the manager made it official Saturday morning.