St. Louis, Missouri – Sonny Gray, the St. Louis Cardinals’ star starting pitcher, is facing uncertainty about his availability for Opening Day due to a mild hamstring strain. The team’s president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, shared the news with reporters in Jupiter, Florida on Tuesday.
Gray, who recently signed a lucrative contract with the Cardinals, was expected to lead the pitching rotation as the team’s No. 1 starter. However, his status for the season opener on March 28 against the Los Angeles Dodgers is now in question after experiencing tightness in his hamstring during an exhibition game.
The 34-year-old right-hander underwent an MRI which revealed a minor strain in his hamstring. While the extent of the injury is less severe than past hamstring issues, the Cardinals are closely monitoring Gray’s progress as the season approaches.
Without Gray, the Cardinals rotation currently includes Miles Mikolas, Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Steven Matz, with the possibility of Matthew Liberatore or Zack Thompson filling the fifth spot. The team had considered a six-man rotation earlier, and that option remains on the table.
Mozeliak expressed confidence in the team’s current pitching depth, despite Gray’s injury. While top free agents like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery are available, the Cardinals are not actively seeking additional starters at this time.
As Gray’s recovery timeline becomes clearer, the team will reassess its pitching needs. In the meantime, Cardinals fans are anxiously awaiting updates on Gray’s condition and hope for a speedy return to the mound for the talented pitcher.