St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker is set to miss at least a week due to a minor left knee injury sustained while chasing a fly ball during a recent spring training game against the Washington Nationals. The injury occurred when he stepped on a sprinkler head. Fortunately, an MRI revealed no structural damage, although there is some irritation in the knee. Manager Oliver Marmol has noted that this week will be used for recovery, allowing Walker to ramp up for the upcoming season.

At just 22 years old, Walker is positioned to be the Cardinals’ starting right fielder and is seen as a key part of the team’s future. Over two seasons, he has shown promise with a batting line of .255/.317/.423 and 21 home runs. This spring, he is focused on refining his swing following offseason adjustments, making the time lost due to injury potentially impactful.

Identifying sleeper players who can outperform their average draft position (ADP) is essential for success in fantasy baseball. Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a Yahoo ADP of 59.4, possesses elite stats but has room for improvement, potentially becoming a 30-30-.270 player. Lawrence Butler of the Athletics, a late-round pick, showed impressive stats post-All-Star break, hinting at a 30-30 potential. Meanwhile, Bo Bichette's 109.3 ADP could be a steal as he rebounds from injury, while Thairo Estrada, projected at 233.4, thrives at Coors Field. Other notable mentions include Matt Wallner, Jake McCarthy, and Christopher Morel, who each have the tools to exceed expectations in the upcoming season.

The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to leverage the experience and leadership of Sonny Gray while navigating a transitional phase within the organization. After initially considering trading the veteran pitcher to clear payroll, they now see him as a valuable asset for mentoring young talent such as Michael McGreevy and Andre Pallante. Newcomer Quinn Mathews has expressed excitement about learning from Gray, having impressed in the minors with strong stats, including an 8-5 record and a 2.76 ERA last season.

As the Cardinals gear up for the 2025 season, they remain hopeful that the combination of Gray's expertise and the promising abilities of their younger pitchers will solidify their rotation. While Gray and Erick Fedde are the only established pitchers, Mathews' performance during spring training could signal a brighter future for the Cardinals' starting lineup.

As fantasy baseball drafts approach, the top-12 catchers for 2025 have been highlighted, offering valuable insights for managers. Leading the pack is William Contreras of the Milwaukee Brewers, whose stellar performance last season positioned him as the top option. His brother, Willson Contreras, now with the St. Louis Cardinals, has transitioned to first base, maintaining catcher eligibility while increasing his playing time.

Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles follows, though he faced challenges last season, impacting his stats. Salvador Perez remains a consistent powerhouse, showing no signs of decline. Yainer Diaz and Cal Raleigh are rising stars, while veteran Will Smith provides consistent production. Shea Langeliers and J.T. Realmuto round out the list, with Realmuto looking for a bounce-back season. New names like Logan O'Hoppe and Gabriel Moreno also make the cut, showcasing the depth at the position.

Sports fans have a packed schedule ahead with numerous events across various leagues today. Major League Baseball's spring training features the New York Mets facing off against the St. Louis Cardinals at noon, followed by the Cincinnati Reds visiting the Los Angeles Dodgers at 7 PM. The World Baseball Classic sees China take on Brazil at noon as well. In the NBA, the Golden State Warriors are set to take on the New York Knicks at 6:30 PM, while the LA Clippers will challenge the Phoenix Suns at 9 PM.

College basketball fans can look forward to a series of intriguing matchups, including the Georgia Bulldogs visiting South Carolina and the Miami Hurricanes taking on Georgia Tech, both games airing at 5 PM and 6 PM respectively. Notable NCAA games include LSU at Kentucky and a showdown between North Carolina and Virginia Tech, all scheduled for 6 PM. Additionally, the NHL features a matchup with the New Jersey Devils visiting the Dallas Stars at 7 PM. With tennis, golf, and soccer also on the agenda, sports enthusiasts will find ample viewing options throughout the day.