JUPITER, Fla. (AP) - Right-hander Lance Lynn left the St. Louis Cardinals’ spring training game in the second inning Sunday with a left hip flexor strain, and six relievers combined to allow only one run in a 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins.
Lynn said the injury wasn’t serious, but he’ll undergo further tests Monday.
Making his first start of spring training, Lynn retired the side in order in the first inning. In the second he gave up back-to-back walks, and then departed after the next batter reached on an error.
“Second inning, coming back out, I just couldn’t get loose,” Lynn said. “There was some tightness. … It just stayed that way and wouldn’t get any better.”
Lynn, a 15-game winner last year, said he expects to throw his next bullpen session Tuesday as scheduled. Manager Mike Matheny smiled when told of Lynn’s remark.
“I think our guys need to slow down on some of their comments and make sure they’re going through the proper channels,” Matheny said. “But I’m glad to hear he’s excited about getting back out there. It’s good to hear he’s not that concerned.”
The Cardinals’ Tommy Pham homered on his 27th birthday, and teammate Randal Grichuk hit his second home run in as many days.
Miami’s Jarred Cosart, making his first start of spring training, struck out two in two hitless innings. Marlins newcomer Michael Morse hit his first home run.
Marlins right fielder Ichiro Suzuki had an RBI groundout and threw out a runner trying to go from first to third. Giancarlo Stanton went 0 for 2 and is batting .167.
Cardinals right fielder Jason Heyward sprawled across the bullpen mound to make a diving catch of a foul ball. Matheny was relieved Heyward avoided injury.
“He’s got one gear, and it’s full out,” Matheny said. “It’s a pleasure to watch him do that. But I see that diving into the mound, and I’m not breathing for a couple of seconds.”
The game drew a sellout crowd of 7,438.
EASING INTO IT
Marlins right-hander Mat Latos was scratched from his scheduled start Monday and instead will pitch a simulated game. The Marlins want to monitor him carefully after he endured an injury-plagued 2014 season with the Reds.
“We want to make sure he eases into it,” manager Mike Redmond said. “It’s just precautionary. We’re hoping everything feels good, and then the next step will be a regular game.”
A year ago Latos underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee during spring training. He later developed more knee problems and elbow issues, limiting him to 16 starts.
Latos has thrown his bullpen sessions as scheduled in spring training.
STARTING TIME
Cardinals right-hander John Lackey, who has yet to make his spring training debut, threw against minor leaguers on a back field and is scheduled to pitch in a game in the coming week.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright, recovering from a strained abdominal muscle, threw to hitters on a back field and he hopes to receive clearance soon to make his first spring training start.
Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria sat out his third game in a row because of a sore throwing shoulder. Redmond said the injury isn’t serious, and Hechavarria is expected to rejoin the lineup Tuesday.
UP NEXT
Marlins: Right-hander David Phelps will start Monday at the Mets in place of Latos. Phelps, acquired from the Yankees in an offseason trade, threw two scoreless innings in his first spring training outing and will likely begin the season in the bullpen.
Cardinals: Expect another standing room-only crowd Monday when they play host to the Boston Red Sox.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.