Sonny Gray Leads Cardinals in Rain-Delayed Season Opener Against Twins

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — After a rain delay, the St. Louis Cardinals are set to kick off their 2025 MLB season at 4:45 p.m. this Thursday against the Minnesota Twins at Busch Stadium. Sonny Gray will be on the mound for his first opening day start with the team, looking to build on his history of strong starts despite a challenging spring training.

Originally scheduled to begin at 3:15 p.m., the game was postponed due to rain that fell over the area for about two hours. The on-field ceremonies will now commence at 4 p.m., leading up to the first pitch.

Gray, who recorded a remarkable 0.89 ERA in his first five outings as a Cardinal last season, has had a rougher start to this spring, posting a troubling 12.56 ERA in four appearances. Despite a dip in velocity and a bout with flu-like symptoms, Gray voiced optimism following a workout at Busch Stadium, stating he is feeling better and ready for the challenge.

“You can’t make the playoffs in the first month, but you can lose it,” Gray said. “It’s a fresh start for everyone. Spring is here, baseball season’s here, and it means good weather is coming. It’s an exciting time of year.”

The Cardinals are entering their 134th season in the National League with aspirations of improving from last year’s 83-79 finish. Meanwhile, the Twins, who concluded last season with an 82-80 record, will send right-hander Pablo Lopez to the mound for their opening game.

Lopez posted a 4.08 ERA last season and ranked among the top ten starters for fewest walks allowed per nine innings, showcasing a formidable challenge for the Cardinals lineup, which hopes for a better start than the past two seasons that yielded subpar April records.

Manager Oliver Marmol emphasized the importance of the first month, saying, “April will be a barometer for the five months that follow. Our players need to be aggressive and play with an edge. This is the time to set a tone for the season.”

The Cardinals lineup for opening day includes notable players such as Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras, complemented by promising young talent like Victor Scott II and Masyn Winn. The team anticipates that a strong April could boost ticket sales and fan engagement throughout the summer.

Fans can expect a lively atmosphere as the Cardinals look to make a statement at home on opening day, a time-honored tradition that marks not just the start of a baseball season, but a symbol of hope and excitement within the St. Louis community. With the return of the iconic Clydesdales as part of the pregame festivities, the air will be charged with anticipation.