Butler, Piscotty staying in Memphis as Cards work to finalize roster
When the Cardinals left Memphis on Friday night, shortstop Pete Kozma was still on the roster.
But that doesn't mean he has made the team. The Cardinals still have a couple of days to finalize the 25-man roster in advance of Monday afternoon's season opener at Cincinatti. With second baseman Mark Ellis still dealing with a tender knee, there's a chance he could start the season on the disabled list. If he does, Kozma would be most likely to stick around.
Right-handed reliever Keith Butler went to Cincinnati, too, without any more worries that he would make the team. Butler did not exactly flourish in spring training but he still emerged with the final spot in the bullpen ahead of just-signed David Aardsma, Jorge Rondon and Scott McGregor. The three who didn't make the Cardinals will remain with the Class AAA Redbirds.
Right fielder Stephen Piscotty, the rising star of spring training, also stayed in Memphis. Others reassigned or out righted off the 40-man roster: Catcher Ed Easley, infielder Scott Moore, first baseman Xavier Scruggs and outfielder-DH Joey Butler.
Scruggs and Joey Butler were scheduled to start for Memphis against the Cardinals but the exhibition was called after an hour delay. The Cardinals announced they will return to Memphis for an exhibition next spring and try again. Also in the Redbirds' lineup was Oscar Taveras, in the 3-hole at DH, and Randal Grichuk, batting cleanup and playing center field.
The Cardinals are scheduled to be off on Saturday before they work out in Cincinnati on Sunday. Adam Wainwright is scheduled to start the opener against Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto. First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. Monday on Fox Sports Midwest.
You can follow Stan McNeal on Twitter @stanmcneal or email him at stanmcneal@gmail.com.
