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Spring Training Game Thread No. 2: Cardinals at Astros

The Astros tackle the Cardinals in their second Spring Tilt. Wandy Rodriguez looks to recapture 2005 Astros magic.

By Chris Perry
Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

The undefeated Astros look to take on the St. Louis Cardinals today at Osceola County Stadium in beautiful Kissimmee, Florida for their Spring home opener.

The Astros will display the lefty prowess of 2005 NL champion Wandy Rodriguez, who is battling to claim a roster spot with the club that developed him over a decade ago.  Rodriguez features an 88-mph fastball that he couples with a 74-mph 7-o-clock curve as his out pitch.  Last season with the Rangers, he earned a 4.90 ERA (4.33 FIP) in 86 innings despite his highest strikeout rate since 2011.

The Cards counter with 2010 Rookie of the Year candidate Jaime Garcia.  Garcia sat out for most of 2013 and 2014 after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.  He returned to post his worst career strikeout rate, but best career ERA (2.43) in 130 innings in 2015.  His fastball reaches 90 mph on average, and he compliments it with a slider (or cutter--there is some debate) and a changeup.

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