Pete Kozma Makes Opening Roster

Apparently a hot spring did the trick for St. Louis Cardinals infielder Pete Kozma.

It was announced Tuesday morning that Kozma had made the 25-man roster and would travel with the team to Chicago to face the Cubs on Sunday night.

Kozma had a fairly good spring, good enough to make him the backup shortstop to Jhonny Peralta and a utility infielder. According to St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Derrick Goold, Kozma could also see time at second base to back up Kolten Wong.

The addition of Kozma should come as no surprise to Cardinals fans and watchers, because he has been groomed for the utility spot. This was the spot Daniel Descalso used to have, where he would play around the infield as needed.

Kozma may play enough that he will get 200 or 300 at-bats. After all, players like Peralta, Wong and Matt Carpenter will need days off during the year to stay fresh.

For now, Kozma is on board the 25-man roster and the season is only five days from starting.