Previous Story
Cardinals will start John Lackey in Game 1 of NLDS
Posted On Oct 10 2015
Comment: Off
Earlier today, the St. Louis Cardinals announced that John Lackey would be their starter in game one of the National League Division Series Friday that pits them against the victor of the National League Wild Card Game between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates tonight.
Overall, there are far more hard decisions to be made than usual.
“I know it’s a hot topic”, Matheny said. Matheny said he will likely reveal the roster after a workout Thursday.
Molina took batting practice on the field with the team Wednesday, opting for tape on his left hand rather than the splint. “With what he was able to do (Tuesday) and a few of the things he’s been able to do with the medical team in stabilizing the thumb… all those things are pointing in the direction that it’s possible (Molina will be available)”.
In the bullpen, ace Adam Wainwright is expected to claim a spot after making a rapid recovery from a torn Achilles in late April.
“Why should I?” Matheny said.
General manager John Mozeliak said experience is factor, but added everyone has to make a debut sometime.
“It’s (about) functionality”, Mozeliak said. If we think he can hold the bat and swing we’ll look at it one way. Mark Reynolds, who has started at first base and third base, said he was on the roster, and seldom-used outfielder Peter Bourjos said he was not. Lackey was 13-10 in the regular season, and 9-4 at Busch Stadium with a 1.93 ERA at home.
Against the Pirates this season, Lackey started three games and was 0-1 with an ERA of 2.25 over 20 innings pitched.
The Cardinals needed a veteran leader when Wainwright tore his left Achilles in late April, and Lackey was that guy.
He is the only pitcher in postseason history to get the win in two World Series clinching games: the first for the Angels in 2002 and then 11 years later in 2013 with the Red Sox.
This is really good news for the Cardinals, I was afraid that Mike Matheny was going to go with the natural order of the rotation, which would give Lance Lynn or Michael Wacha the start. He has gone 7-5 on this stretch of games with a 3.08 ERA and 1.26 WHIP.
