St. Louis Cardinals News: Paul Goldschmidt returns to the lineup

Paul Goldschmidt is an integral part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ offense and thankfully, it appears he’s back Saturday after missing one game.

The home opener for the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday was a magical day. Fans were back in the stands, the Cardinals Hall of Famers were on the field again, and Nolan Arenado capped off his first game at home with a game-winning homer. The atmosphere, the result, everything really, was amazing.

The only thing missing from Thursday was Paul Goldschmidt.

A late scratch before the game, Goldy needed a day off due to back tightness, a troublesome diagnosis if it continues to be an issue. If there is one things fans have seen with Matt Carpenter, it’s that back soreness can lead to a major decline at the plate.

However, it seems Goldschmidt bounced back just fine and will be back in the 2nd spot in the lineup on Saturday.

With Goldschmidt back, Matt Carpenter ends his three-game start streak with Tommy Edman moving back onto the dirt at second base. Dylan Carlson, who still only has extra-base hits on the year, has gotten the boost up to the 6th spot.

The Cardinals are off to their best start since 2012 at 5-2 and even though the offense hasn’t lit the world on fire, it has been timely enough to get wins. As many fans commented on Thursday, the St. Louis Cardinals’ lineup looks much less formidable without Goldy in the fray, and they are right.

Carlos Martinez looks to follow up his stellar first start with another start against an NL Central rival on Saturday as well. In his first start against the Reds, he was perfect through three innings before things began to fall apart in the fourth.

This lineup today will face off against Adrian Houser, a righty who gave up just two runs over 5.0 innings against the Twins in his first start of the year.