JUPITER, Fla. • As nine-time All-Star and Gold Glover Yadier Molina works his way into playing trim following off-season knee surgery, Andrew Knizner, the Cardinals’ top catching prospect, will start behind the plate Saturday when the Cardinals begin their exhibition schedule here against the Miami Marlins.
Knizner, a 24-year-old from North Carolina State, hit above .300 at both Class AA Springfield and Class AAA Memphis last year, averaging .313 with seven homers overall as he moved to the top of the class of those who might someday replace Molina. Knizner, who figures to open the season in Memphis, moved up after Carson Kelly, who struggled both offensively and defensively last year with the Cardinals, was traded to Arizona.