Carlos Martinez #18 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action against the New York Mets during a spring training baseball game at Clover Park at on March 11, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Cardinals 7-3. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Carlos Martinez is a big question mark for the Cardinals, but the team is increasingly optimistic about his outlook.
The St. Louis Cardinals were quick to name Carlos Martinez as a starting pitcher, which raised eyebrows after he faltered in his first two outings in spring training.
But Martinez has since picked it up, featuring a fastball that has been the second-highest on the team behind Jordan Hicks, and been very good in his last two appearances, with Shildt using it to defend his decision to give Martinez a spot in the rotation so early.