Cardinals Opening Day Lineup: Molina, Ryan ready to go

After spending the last week of the spring sitting out with an oblique strain, Yadier Molina will start today behind the plate for the Cards. Brendan Ryan, who also battled injury, will also be starting at short today. Chris Carpenter takes the ball for St. Louis; Aaron Harang will be the first challenge for this new look St. Louis lineup.

The game starts at 12:10 p.m. in the Midwest at Great American Ballpark. The game will be on ESPN if you’re free today.

The first matchup with the Reds is more intriguing than past years. Cincy is a trendy pick as a surprise team with talented young players, especially on the pitching staff. Mike Leake skipped the minors totally to become the Reds fifth starter and Aroldis Chapman will be firing in the big leagues soon enough. This team will be competitive this year, so don’t take it lightly.

Here are the lineups:

St. Louis

1. Skip Schumaker, 2B

2. Brendan Ryan, SS

3. Albert Pujols, 1B

4. Matt Holliday, LF

5. Colby Rasmus, CF

6. Ryan Ludwick, RF

7. Yadier Molina, C

8. David Freese, 3B

9. Chris Carpenter, RHP

Cincinnati

1. Chris Dickerson, CF

2. Orlando Cabrera, SS

3. Joey Votto, 1B

4. Brandon Phillips, 2B

5. Scott Rolen, 3B

6. Jay Bruce, RF

7. Laynce Nix, LF

8. Ramon Hernandez, C

9. Aaron Harang, RHP

Tune in on ESPN and get your first look at this year’s Redbirds club. The season started with a bang in Boston last night as the Sox outlasted the Yankees 9-7. Expect more excitement today and even more tonight as the college basketball season comes to an end. Butler takes on Duke in the national championship!