Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick will not participate in the World Baseball Classic. Ludwick only had interest in starting (to get enough reps at the plate) and since that would not happen, so he notified manager Davey Johnson of his plans.
Team USA will have Grady Sizemore, Ryan Braun, and Brad Hawpe as it’s starting outfield.
Instead Ludwick will concentrate on getting ready for the season in Cardinal’s camp. That leaves just Yadier Molina from expected opening day roster as the only player set to play in the WBC.
The biggest piece of the Cardinals’ pitching rotation may be in place. Even though it was only 30 pitches, Chris Carpenter threw to hitters for the first time and everything went well. His changeup had movement, his breaking pitches dropped off the table and even though his missed with his location on his fastball, he corrected that toward the end of the session as well. He’ll make his debut on the 28th.
The Cardinals open up Grapefruit League play on Wednesday against Florida (who the Cardinals share their complex with) and the Baltimore on Thursday.