January 28, 2016 by Chris Brown

Quick Hits: Molina & Walden injury updates, Rosenthal contract, more

By Chris Brown / STL Baseball Today | @cbrown_STLBBT | Jan. 28, 2016, 10:00 am CT

By Barbara Moore / CC Image / No changes made

Updated 10:24 am CT:

ST. LOUIS • With just under three weeks until Cardinals pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida, here’s a look at some news and notes surrounding the team:

Appearing on KMOX Radio this past Sunday, GM John Mozeliak said that Yadier Molina will be getting the cast on his left thumb/hand removed in early February. The Gold Glove catcher had surgery on his thumb back in December after his first offseason surgery “didn’t take” and remains without a timetable headed into Spring Training. The newly-signed Brayan Pena would get the call behind the plate if Molina isn’t ready to go for Opening Day, while Mozeliak acknowledged the team has continued to search for depth at the position.
In her latest reader mailbag article, MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch reports that reliever Jordan Walden, who missed missed most of the 2015 season with biceps/shoulder injuries, is expected to go through a normal pitching program this spring. There remains some uncertainly regarding whether Walden will be able to stay healthy for an entire season, Langosch writes, and the team signed veterans Jonathan Broxton and Seung Hwan Oh to provide depth.
Langosch also writes that the Cardinals currently seem to have no urgency to lock up closer Trevor Rosenthal to an extension. Rosenthal, who just reached arbitration eligibility for the first time this offseason, agreed to a $5.6 million contract with the redbirds for 2016.
Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors reported Wednesday night that the Cubs have agreed to a minor-league deal — without a Spring Training invite — with former Cardinal left-hander Nick Greenwood. Read more at MLBTradeRumors.com.