Cardinals v Braves Game Thread: 3/11/2016

We last saw Carlos Martinez in competitive action with a glove covering his face coming off the pitcher's mound against the Milwaukee Brewers last year. After a breakout year that saw his first All-Star appearance and made him the best pitcher the Cardinals had for a big bulk of the season, the season ended with disappointment due to shoulder issues. The Cardinals missed Martinez in the playoffs against the Chicago Cubs, and Martinez has spent the offseason working out and strengthening his shoulder. After pitching well against hitters in bullpen sessions, Martinez gets his first attempt at facing hitters in a competitive game since last season against the Brewers.

Carlos Martinez might fill you with a bit of trepidation given the way the season ended, but it should also fill you with excitement, as Martinez has the potential to be one of the very best pitchers in all of baseball. The game is on Fox Sports Midwest and MLb.tv. The audio is on Cardinals.com and the MLB At Bat app.

As for the position players, Jedd Gyorko takes his turn at shortstop after Aledmys Diaz started yesterday. The Matt Holliday to first experiment continues. If Carlos Martinez and Matt Holliday were not enough excitement for one day, 19-year-old prospect Magneuris Sierra is getting the start in center field. Oh yeah, and Yadi is catching.

Enjoy the Game!