JUPITER, Fla. • Reliever Jordan Walden, who suffered a shoulder injury that ended his 2015 season after he had an impressive April, is expected to pitch for the Cardinals for the first time since then when the Cardinals play the Houston Astros Friday in an exhibition game at Kissimmee, Fla.
Walden was on a couple of minor league rehabilitation options last year but finally was shut down when pain persisted.
Jaime Garcia, who has had his own extensive injury history, will make his first spring start. Randal Grichuk and Kolten Wong will make their spring debuts in the Cardinals’ lineup.