Exhibition Preview: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Miami Marlins, 1:05 PM

The Miami Marlins open their Grapefruit League season today against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium, the Spring Training home for both teams.

More from Marlins News

The Marlins downed a pair of college teams on Monday and Tuesday in warmups that shook the winter cobwebs loose. Today, the real Spring Training starts, and it will mean big leaguers vs. big leaguers with roster hopefuls and promising prospects sprinkled in for the next month, leading up to Opening Day on April 6.

Dan Haren takes the mound for Miami in what will be his first official appearance in a Marlins uniform. The Cardinals counter with a right hander of their own, 23 year-old Carlos Martinez. Martinez posted a 4.03 ERA and 3.18 FIP last year in 57 games, seven of which were starts. Haren had a 4.02 ERA and 4.09 FIP in 32 starts with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mike Redmond‘s lineup for the first official game of spring:

1. Dee Gordon, 2B
2. Christian Yelich, LF
3. Giancarlo Stanton, RF
4. Mike Morse, 1B
5. Martin Prado, 3B
6. Marcell Ozuna, CF
7. Ichiro Suzuki, DH
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Adeiny Hechavarria, SS

Yes, this lineup reflects more or less the team’s projected Opening Day order, with each starter (and Ichiro!) seeing game action this afternoon. The Marlins are the “home” team in today’s game, despite both teams calling The Dean their spring home.

And the “visitor’s” lineup:

1. Matt Carpenter, 3B
2. Jason Heyward, RF
3. Matt Holliday, DH
4. Matt Adams, 1B
5. Yadier Molina, C
6. Kolten Wong, 2B
7. Stephen Piscotty, LF
8. Peter Bourjos, CF
9. Pete Kozma, SS

Today will also be the first time Giancarlo Stanton steps into the box with his new face guard. It’s worth noting that Jason Heyward, a familiar face to Marlins fans from his days with the Atlanta Braves, is present in the Cardinals lineup with his trademark helmet extension as well.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM. The game can be heard on 940 WINZ with the always excellent Glenn Geffner, and on MLB.com Gameday Audio.

Follow Marlin Maniac on Twitter @MarlinManiac for all your Miami Marlins news, opinion and analysis!

Next: Dan Haren is committed to the Marlins

Home/Marlins News