The Cardinals made their long-awaited return to a fan-filled Busch Stadium on Thursday, but the starting lineup was lacking Paul Goldschmidt, who was held out due to lower back tightness.
Matt Carpenter got the start at first base in Goldschmidt’s place, batting second, for his third consecutive start and inaugural outing at first base this season.
The Cardinals did not express the exact severity of Goldschmidt’s ailment, saying his absence is for precautionary reasons. Carpenter was seen taking ground balls at first base pregame, and Goldschmidt’s status resulted in a delayed announcement of the lineup card.
For Goldschmidt, it temporarily derails a solid start to the season, as he has hit .308/.357/.385 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs through six games. He’s primarily hit second, ahead of new acquisition and close friend Nolan Arenado.
On Thursday, that spot was given to Carpenter, who’s coming off a Spring Training that featured just two hits; he’s still searching for his first base knock of 2021. But there have been some positives, as he has as many walks as strikeouts (three apiece) and signs of hard contact. The Cardinals would love to get him going, though certainly not at the cost of losing Goldschmidt.