A notable development at St. Louis Cardinals spring training: possible closer Riley O'Brien is dealing with a slight injury, and it's one that could keep him out of the World Baseball Classic. He's been scheduled to play for Team Korea.

Per Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat:

Matthew Liberatore starts Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener for the Cardinals.

Riley O’Brien is dealing with some calf soreness that the Cardinals are currently evaluating. His WBC participation is TBD.

If O'Brien is unable to play in the World Baseball Classic, it will be the second late WBC casualty for the Cardinals. Catcher Ivan Herrera, scheduled to play for Panama is likely out of the tournament because of insurance issues. Those have become common in this WBC cycle, plaguing several nations including Puerto Rico, who threatened to pull out of the tournament.

Now 30 years old, O'Brien has spent parts of four years in the big leagues with the Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners and Cardinals, but he really broke out for St. Louis in 2025.

One of the bright spots of the Cardinals roster that finished fourth in the National League Central, O'Brien made 42 big-league appearances, going 3-1 with a 2.06 ERA. He struck out 45 batters in 48.0 innings, registering six saves. He also made 19 appearances for Triple-A Memphis, going 1-0 with a 2.79 ERA.

He seems to have the stuff to be the team's closer, but he'll have to battle it out with JoJo Romero and Ryne Stanek for the job. How does the injury factor in to that competition? And if he's able to play in the WBC after all, how does his exit factor in as well? It all remains to be seen.

--Left-hander Matthew Liberatore will earn the start on Saturday when the Cardinals open up Grapefruit League play with a contest against the Washington Nationals. Liberatore has said he aspires to be the team's Opening Day starter.

--The Cardinals have been looking for additional outfield help this offseason, but might they try an infielder in that spot? It looks like it's a possibility.

--Pitching prospect Ixan Hernandez is dealing with an arm issue early in spring, and here's what we know so far.

--St. Louis has been drawing on the help of its legends early in camp: Ozzie Smith is in Jupiter, Fla., as is Yadier Molina, who was just hired as a special assistant to Chaim Bloom.

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