Astros vs. Cardinals 3/9/2026 Spring Training Game Thread

The Houston Astros (4-8-3) host the St. Louis Cardinals (8-5-1) in Grapefruit League play.

RHP Cristian Javier will get the start for the Astros opposite RHP Richard Fitts for the Cardinals.

TODAY’S STARTER: RHP Cristian Javier is set to make his second start of the Spring and his first Grapefruit League start this year. He tossed 2.0 innings in his Spring debut last Tuesday in an exhibition vs. Team Venezuela.

In his return from Tommy John surgery in 2025, Javier made eight starts, going 2-4 with a 4.62 ERA (19ER/37IP), 34 strikeouts and a .230 opponent average. In his career, Javier has held opponents to a .203 (397×1956) batting average. Among AL pitchers to toss 525.0-plus innings between the 2020-25 seasons, Javier ranks first in the AL in that category.

He’s also helped author several notable moments in his career, starting a combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series, as well as a combined no-hitter in June of that season at Yankee Stadium.

TODAY’S POTENTIAL RELIEVERS: RHP Peter Lambert, RHP Anthony Maldonado, RHP Ryan Weiss, RHP Amos Willingham.

ASTROS IN WBC: IF Zach Dezenzo started at right field in Team Italy’s 7-4 win over Team Great Britain yesterday at Daikin Park, going 1×3 with a double, two runs scored and a walk.

IF Shay Whitcomb got off to a fantastic start for Team Korea in their opener last Thursday vs Team Czechia, going 2×4 with two home runs and three RBI in an 11-4 win.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Monday, March 9, 12:05 p.m. CST

Location: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, FL.

TV: none

Streaming: HOU video livestream (astros.com)

Radio: KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2