Cardinals' Matt Carpenter says back felt 'perfect' on Sunday

St. Louis Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter said his injured back felt "perfect" during intrasquad action on Sunday.

What It Means:

Carpenter is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut on Tuesday and should be fine for Opening Day. The 32-year-old veteran drew a walk, grounded out, and fouled out in three plate appearances on Sunday.

numberFire's models project Carpenter to produce a .255 batting average over 601 plate appearances in 2018, with 23 home runs, 83 runs scored, and 77 RBI.