Adam Wainwright was scheduled to start Opening Day for the St. Louis Cardinals next week against the Toronto Blue Jays.
However, those plans were foiled when it was announced that the veteran right-hander and two-time World Series champion had suffered a groin injury.
Fortunately, the Cardinals have a solid fallback option with Wainwright on the shelf, and they announced today who that would be.
Veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas, who recently signed a two-year, $40 million contract extension, will be getting the ball for St. Louis next Thursday.
Bally Sports Midwest, the TV home of the Cardinals, confirmed the news of manager Oli Marmol’s decision.
For the second time in his career, Miles Mikolas will start for the #STLCards on Opening Day. pic.twitter.com/03XhEiy4FP
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) March 24, 2023
Mikolas originally signed with the Cardinals in December of 2017 after pitching a few seasons in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants.
After a strong 2018 campaign, St. Louis extended him through 2023.
The right-hander won 18 games that season and posted a 2.83 ERA.
He drew the Opening Day start for the Cardinals in 2019 as well, pitching against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The 34-year-old was the Cardinals’ ace in 2022, going 12-13 with a 3.29 ERA in 33 appearances and 32 starts.
He had dealt with various injuries in 2020 and 2021, but returned to his 2018 form last season.
The right-hander is also a two-time All-Star with the Cardinals, having received the honor in 2018 and again in 2022, joining Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Ryan Helsley, and Albert Pujols in Los Angeles.
With Wainwright down, Mikolas is ultimately the best choice for the Cardinals to start Opening Day.
Wainwright will need a few weeks to recover, but Mikolas is healthy and ready to repeat his success in 2023.
NEXT: Miles Mikolas Makes A Decision On His Future
