ST. LOUIS -- Opening Day is finally here! The St. Louis Cardinals are set to take on the Minnesota Twins at Busch Stadium, officially kicking off the 2025 MLB season. However, fans will have to wait a bit longer than expected as the game has been delayed due to rain, with the first pitch now to be determined. This delay brings a cloud of uncertainty over what is meant to be a festive day for baseball fans.
On March 27, 2025, the Cardinals and Twins were scheduled to start at 3:15 p.m. CT, but Mother Nature had other plans. "We’re officially delayed here in St. Louis. First pitch TBD for the #MNTwins and Cardinals," tweeted Declan Goff, confirming the rain delay. Fans eagerly await updates as both teams remain in their locker rooms, hoping to take the field soon.
As the rain falls, the anticipation builds for the Cardinals, who are entering the final year of the John Mozeliak era. This season carries significant weight as they try to balance contending for a playoff spot while also building for the future. Chaim Bloom, who will become the president of baseball operations next winter, has a lot on his plate. The Cardinals are leaning heavily on their young core to make a postseason push in what many consider a weak NL Central.
Despite a tumultuous winter filled with trade rumors, the Cardinals ultimately failed to move star third baseman Nolan Arenado. This may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, as the team retains more win-now talent on their roster. The Cardinals' Opening Day lineup reflects this mix of youth and experience, featuring players like Lars Nootbaar, Willson Contreras, and Nolan Arenado, with the hope of surprising many this season.
The Cardinals’ Opening Day roster includes 13 pitchers, 2 catchers, 7 infielders, and 4 outfielders. Their starting rotation features Sonny Gray, Erick Fedde, Andre Pallante, Miles Mikolas, Matthew Liberatore, and Steven Matz. Notably, Matz will begin the season in the bullpen before transitioning to a six-man rotation on April 16, 2025. This decision allows the team to give young arms like Liberatore a chance to prove themselves while still having veteran support available.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins are looking to build on a challenging 2024 season where they barely avoided losing more games than they won. With a roster that has seen minimal changes, the Twins are hoping that this year will be a turning point. Their Opening Day lineup features Pablo López as the starting pitcher, with a lineup that includes Matt Wallner, Carlos Correa, and Byron Buxton.
In the lead-up to the game, there was much excitement surrounding the Cardinals’ Opening Day festivities. Busch Stadium is known for its vibrant atmosphere, and this year is no exception. The event is set to feature appearances from Hall of Famers like Ozzie Smith, Tony La Russa, and Joe Torre, adding a touch of nostalgia to the proceedings. Fans also look forward to the iconic Clydesdales making their rounds on the field, a tradition that has become synonymous with Cardinals baseball.
As the teams wait out the rain, the focus will be on the starting pitchers. For the Cardinals, Sonny Gray is returning to the mound against his former team. Gray, who has faced challenges with his velocity and performance in Spring Training, hopes to regain his form in front of a packed house at Busch Stadium. He pitched to a 4.59 ERA last season, and this spring, he struggled with a 12.56 ERA, prompting concerns about his readiness for the season.
On the other side, Pablo López, who has been a reliable pitcher for the Twins, is also looking to prove himself. After a rocky Spring Training where he finished with an 0-4 record and a 6.62 ERA, López will need to find his rhythm quickly to lead his team effectively.
Fans are also keenly aware of the changes in broadcasting for this season. The game will be aired locally, with the Cardinals’ games available on the FanDuel Sports Network and the Twins’ games distributed by MLB only. Streaming options like MLBTV will provide fans with access to local broadcasts, ensuring that those unable to attend can still catch the action.
As the rain continues, the atmosphere remains electric, with fans holding onto hope for a timely start. The Cardinals’ lineup includes key players like Lars Nootbaar leading off, followed by Willson Contreras and Brendan Donovan. The Twins will counter with their own formidable lineup, eager to make a statement on Opening Day.
With the season finally underway, both teams are looking to set the tone for what they hope will be successful campaigns. The Cardinals are embracing their underdog narrative, while the Twins are focused on building momentum from last season’s struggles. As the rain delays the action, both teams will be ready to take the field when the weather clears.
The excitement surrounding Opening Day is palpable, and while rain may have delayed the start, it cannot dampen the spirits of fans eager to see their teams in action. As soon as the skies clear, baseball will return to Busch Stadium, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the storied history of both franchises.
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. CT, promising more thrilling baseball action. For now, fans must remain patient, but the anticipation for the 2025 season is undeniable. Stay tuned for updates as we await the first pitch between the Cardinals and Twins.
