JUPITER, Fla. • The Cardinals posted an “A” lineup Tuesday morning for their game against the Miami Marlins. In fact, it might have been their opening-day eight. It included Jose Martinez at first base, hitting fifth.
Martinez, who just before game time was scratched with a minor left groin spasm, would be among the first to tell you that Matt Carpenter is the Cardinals’ first baseman. “That’s his position,” said Martinez. “Carp’s a good player. He can play whatever position he wants and I know that.”
Except that Carpenter hasn’t been anything but a spectator yet, although he appears to progress daily from the lower back ailment that has plagued him for weeks.