Cardinals: Andrew Knizner is playing more in 2022. Here’s why

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Andrew Knizner is splitting time behind the plate with future Hall of Famer Yadier Molina. Here’s why.

Through nine games this season, Andrew Knizner has played in four games. It’s had people around the St. Louis Cardinals asking one common question: Why?

The writing has been on the wall for Knizner seeing more playing time for quite some time. It started this spring when Yadier Molina missed time to start camp in Jupiter, Fla. and because Molina is approaching 40 years old. Manager Oli Marmol and the coaching staff are going to be mindful of not overworking Molina, especially with such little build-up during spring training.

It also stems from their belief in Knizner. The organization likes him quite a bit and so far, he’s hitting .333/.375/.600 with one home run and five RBI in 16 plate appearances. Those numbers are worthy of more playing time, for sure, and why the Cardinals feel comfortable giving Knizner increased playing time.

Of course, more playing time for Knizner means less time behind the plate for Molina, and he knows that comes with expectations and pressure. “I think that’s maybe why I’m so obsessed with the preparation and all of that because I know I have massive shoes to fill,” Knizner said, “and I have to do even extra just to be in the same locker room.”

The Cardinals and Molina are in communication on a plan for his playing time going forward. The team is being extra careful with their Hall of Fame catcher, recognizing his importance to their season, though it is a guarantee that he’ll be behind the plate when Adam Wainwright is starting.

But on days that Wainwright isn’t starting, there’s a real chance that Knizner will be behind the plate. So far, he’s earned that playing time, and could see even more playing time in 2022 and beyond if he continues this pace, though top prospect Ivan Herrera clouds his future as the long-term answer at catcher for the Cardinals.

In the meantime, however, he’s doing exactly what the Cardinals need him to do and is a reason why they reside in first place in the NL Central after the first week and a half of the regular season.