Analysis: The grizzled veteran entered this outing on the heels of a solid 19.2 innings in the Grapefruit League, pitching to a 3.66 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Mikolas limited the Angels to two singles and two free passes, allowing both runs on sacrifice flies. The 36-year-old will struggle to produce many strikeouts, as his K/9 has not been above 7.0 since 2019, but he could be viable in deeper leagues if he can limit hard contact and walks. Mikolas will look to continue the respectable work from this appearance in his next start, currently slated to be at Boston this weekend.

Analysis: Mikolas was facing a Mets lineup that featured most of their regulars, and he put together a solid effort, getting his pitch count up to 73 and limiting the damage to just an RBI single from Francisco Lindor in his final inning of work. The 36-year-old righty has made at least 32 starts in three straight seasons, but over the last two years his ERA sits at an unsightly 5.04. He is guaranteed a spot in the Cardinals' Opening Day rotation.