The Cardinals will open Grapefruit League action Thursday against the Marlins with Carlos Martinez on the mound, manager Mike Matheny told reporters, including Brian Stull of St. Louis Baseball Weekly, on Monday. From Stull’s article:

“We’ll have Carlos throw in the first one and Tyler Lyons will be backing him,” shared Matheny. who said both will be throwing about 30 pitches each.

This schedule would allow Martinez to potentially make up to six starts this spring, but Matheny said not to read into it too much:

“Guys just want to pitch, they all know they’re going to get an opportunity,” said the manager. “When they get it, isn’t necessarily that important as long as they’re getting consistent looks. He’s always excited to take the ball. He wants to show what he can do.”

Read Stull’s full article from St. Louis Baseball Weekly.