Major League Baseball

Molina to make spring training debut catching for Cardinals

Published Mar. 9, 2016 11:41 a.m. ET

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JUPITER, Fla. (AP) St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is set to make his spring training debut behind the plate, with defensive limitations in place.

The All-Star is coming off two thumb operations and will be wearing a splint. He is not ready to hit and was ninth in the batting order Wednesday against the Miami Marlins. St. Louis planned to replace him with a pinch hitter after a couple innings.

Manager Mike Matheny said this was the target date given by medical staff for the 33-year-old Molina to play for the first time. Matheny said Molina has looked good swinging off a tee and with soft toss.

St. Louis acquired free agent Brayan Pena in the offseason. He is expected to play more than the previous backup, Tony Cruz.

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