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Cards to start Cuban SS at shortstop

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JUPITER, Fla. – Aledmys Diaz, the Cuban defector whom the St. Louis Cardinals signed to a reported $8 million deal earlier in spring training, will start at shortstop today.

Diaz reportedly will open the season for Double-A Springfield. However, visa issues have prevented the 23-year-old from competing in big-league spring training games here. Until this afternoon’s game, set for a 12:05 p.m. start Central time.

It’s all designed for the coaching staff to get a much better read on Diaz, whose arrival to camp last month came only months after the Cardinals signed free agent shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

“It’ll be a significant jump for any of the guys we bring from the other side,” St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said. “The fact is he hasn’t played in 18 months. But he’s seen live pitching, he’s seen live hitting. I wouldn’t make much more of it.”

Matheny went on.

“He’s in baseball shape. The expectation that he is in midseason form I would say is not quite accurate. But that’s not necessarily what we’re looking for,” Matheny added. “We need to get him exposed to this and we’re running out of time before needs to go back there and get work.”

Diaz has played some minor league games on the backfields here but reportedly was required to sort out visas issues in Mexico.

“We know there are going to be gaps. We just need to see where they are and how we can help him patch forward through maybe some of the stumbles he might have,” Matheny said.

Matheny noted that minor leaguers coming over to the big-league game typically have an extra bounce in their step. Diaz probably will be no different.

“We expect these guys to realize this is just a great opportunity and they should be shining,” Matheny said. “ hope that’s what he sees. Every young guy we bring over here, you hope that they’re just waiting for us to call their number.”

LINEUP: It’s not expected to be the opening day lineup, but Matheny has catcher Yadier Molina batting second behind center fielder Shane Robison. The rest of the line up is as follows: LF Matt Holliday, RF Allen Craig, 1B Matt Adams, 2B Kolten Wong, 3B Pete Kozma, SS Diaz and RHP Adam Wainwright.

Ellis update: Veteran infielder Mark Ellis, who has not played since March 13, is expected to return for games this weekend, Matheny said. Ellis was signed in the offseason after back-up insurance behind Wong at second base.


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