Wieters, 33, signed with the Cardinals during spring training, accepting the only offer he said he received and knowing full well how little work it could mean. Molina still leads all catchers in many significant categories, including innings caught. He bruised his right hand this past weekend and continues to lack the grip strength to swing the bat with authority. Manager Mike Shildt said Molina has had sustained improvement, but he hasn’t been swinging so as to rest the hand. The Cardinals are hopeful he’ll play at some point in the Cubs series this weekend.
While Molina has started and started and started, Wieters has chatted and worked and waited.