St. Louis Cardinals vs Houston Astros - Prediction & Match Preview - March 2nd | MLB Spring Training 2023

The Houston Astros are back in action after capturing their second World Series title in six seasons last year. On March 2, 2023, they will face the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth match of the spring.

Their match is set to kick off at 1:05 p.m. local time at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, where the Houston Astros share their spring facility with the Washington Nationals.

The Houston Astros boast unmatched depth heading into the regular season

Fans got their first glimpse of Jose Abreu, the new first baseman, who signed a deal with the Houston Astros after nine seasons on the Chicago White Sox. In five at-bats this spring, he has two hits including an RBI double.

Right-fielder Kyle Tucker had a pair of hits in the Houston Astros' 8-4 win over the New York Mets. Tucker signed a one-year contract to avoid arbitration and is expected to build on his career-best 2022, in which he hit 107 RBIs and stole 25 bases.

"No. 14 @astros prospect Shay Whitcomb smashes two home runs for the @cchooks." - MLB Pipeline

The Houston Astros are projected to lineup in the following order

1. RF Kyle Tucker
2. CF Chas McCormick
3. LF Jake Meyers
4. 1B Jose Abreu
5. C Corey Lee
6. 3B Rylan Bannon
7. SS Cristian Gonzalez
8. 2B Shay Whitcomb
9. DH Scott Schreiber

Among the notable regulars missing from the projected lineup is Jose Altuve. With the second baseman resting in these early stages, utility infielder Shay Whitcomb has taken his place temorarily. Whitcomb hit .219/.283/.399 with 19 home runs last year in Double-A Corpus Christi.

The St. Louis Cardinals are off to a solid start

With a record of 3-1 in the Grapefruit League so far, the Cards are off to a start that befits their skill level. The team had the third-highest batting average in 2022, as well as one of the best on-base percentages.

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt was his team's sparkplug in 2022. The first baseman was named the NL MVP after launching 35 home runs and 115 RBIs. Cardinals fans will also get one of their first glimpses of their new catcher Willson Contreras, who has the only World Series ring on the team, winning it with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.

"FUN FACT: The Cardinals’ lineup has 1 World Series Ring in it and it’s a Cubs World Series Ring. #ObviousFacts" -bObvious Shirts

Here's what we might see offensively from the St. Louis Cardinals

1. SS Tommy Edman
2. C Willson Contreras
3. 1B Paul Goldschmidt
4. 3B Nolan Arenado
5. 2B Brendan Donovan
6. LF Tyler O'Neil
7. RF Lars Nootbar
8. DH Juan Yepez
9. CF Dylan Carlson

Although both teams are among the best, the St. Louis Cardinals seem to be trotting out their big guns in earlier games. This will probably give them the edge over the prospect-loaded preseason Houston Astros lineup.