JUPITER, Fla. — Cardinals rookie returned to full activity in Friday’s spring training workout, yet he will not take the field when the club opens Grapefruit League play Saturday.
Winn, 21, took part in batting practice on the field at the Cardinals’ spring training facility and showed no visible signs of discomfort or pain. Winn had not hit on the field the previous two days due to back stiffness/tightness, though he had been involved in defensive drills and baserunning.
Prior to Friday’s workout, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Winn would not play in either of Saturday’s split squad games as they begin their spring training exhibition slate.
Most of the Cardinals projected starters are expected to play in Saturday’s home game at Roger Dean Stadium against the Miami Marlins, though some will play in the road game.
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Cardinals bench coach Daniel Descalso will manage the split squad group against the Marlins in Jupiter, while Marmol will travel with the group playing the New York Mets at Port St. Lucie.
Asked about Winn’s timetable to appear in an exhibition game, Marmol said, “We’ll see kind of what today looks like. Depending on how he responds to today, then we’ll have a better sense of if we’re looking at Sunday or the early part of next week.â€
Winn, rated a top 50 prospect in professional baseball by Baseball America (No. 39), (No. 43) and (No. 20) entering this season, entered camp as the team’s projected starting shortstop for Opening Day.
The Cardinals shifted shortstop to center field this season, where he is the club’s projected starter. Edman, who continues to rehab from offseason wrist surgery, also serves as the primary backup at shortstop.
Depth at the shortstop position is something the Cardinals have been discussing, and they plan to examine their internal options during spring training games.
Utility infielder Jose Fermin, who made his major-league debut last season, and prospect Thomas Saggese, acquired from the Texas Rangers at last summer’s trade deadline, are both expected to play shortstop in games this spring.
Saggese, the Texas League MVP last season, primarily has played second base in the past. Marmol said earlier the week the coaching staff wanted to get a look at Saggese at shortstop.
See photos of Cardinals players during the team's spring training workouts in Jupiter, Fla. by Post-Dispatch photographer Robert Cohen.
Scroll through the videos by Post-Dispatch videographer Allie Schallert produced during Cardinals 2024 workouts in Jupiter, Fla.