Cardinals receive more good news after Nolan Arenado trade
![KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 23: Starting pitcher Carlos Martinez #18 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during the 2nd inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on September 23, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 23: Starting pitcher Carlos Martinez #18 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during the 2nd inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on September 23, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e9e135345063d881761c0e796f655d92c6ae8a074bde8d97350c7b26d9bdd40f.jpg)
Things just keeping getting better and better for the St. Louis Cardinals, as hurler Carlos Martinez is poised to bring the new year in the club’s rotation.
With spring training right around the corner, the St. Louis Cardinals are looking like serious threats to bring home another NL Central title. That will happen when you go out and trade for superstar Nolan Arenado. That’s not the only good news for the club right now.
While he’s struggled with injuries in recent years, starting pitcher Carlos Martinez is poised to return to his old form. The latest update on his offseason work is sure to make St. Louis fans out there excited about that possibility.
The #STLCards have reasons for optimism beyond the Nolan Arenado trade: Carlos Martínez had an encouraging first start for Águilas Cibaeñas at #SerieDelCaribe2021 and is poised to begin 2021 in the St. Louis rotation. (He has made only 5 @MLB starts since 2018.) @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 3, 2021
Cards fans are hoping starting pitcher Carlos Martinez can stay healthy in 2021
Before he heads to spring training with St. Louis, Martinez is pitching in the Serie Del Caribe for Águilas Cibaeñas, a team from his native Dominican Republic. In his first start of the tournament, Martinez looked strong.
We don’t have to tell you that’s exciting news. Again, injuries have really prevented Martinez from getting into a groove back on the bump. The hope is that he can stay healthy this season and help St. Louis make some noise both in the regular season and in the playoffs.
Last year, Martinez was only able to make five starts during the shortened campaign. In his starts, he went 0-3 and recorded a discouraging 9.90 ERA. Those are not the numbers we’re used to seeing from a hurler of his caliber.
Looking ahead to the 2021 campaign, Martinez will look to get back on the right track and remind opposing hitters that he can still be a dominant force. Yes, it will be easier said than done, but Martinez can silence plenty of his doubters if he gets off to a strong start.
Next. National League power rankings after Cardinals’ blockbuster trade for Nolan Arenado. dark