WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Rumor has it that Yadier Molina called the shot.

Whether that’s fact or fiction, the two-run blast that Miles Mikolas crushed off Washington’s Stephen Strasburg highlighted the Cardinals’ 4-4 tie on Saturday and sent a crowded Cardinals dugout into euphoria. The homer was the first by any pitcher in a Spring Training game this year and left Mikolas feeling that, like his pitching, his bat was also regular-season ready.

“Sit on that fastball when you get it,” said Mikolas, who had two home runs for the Cardinals last season. “I just tried not to be too late.”

On the other end, Mikolas served up two long balls, which accounted for half of the Nationals’ scoring. His slider wasn’t crisp, but Mikolas felt encouraged by how strong he felt in the 63-pitch outing. It was his final tune-up ahead of Thursday’s Opening Day start at Miller Park.

“I’m [eager] for the season to get started,” Mikolas said. “We have such an incredibly talented group of guys this year. I’m excited to go out there and win a whole bunch of ballgames.”

Hudson strong in relief
Two days after learning he had been named the team’s fifth starter, Dakota Hudson capped his standout spring with six innings of scoreless relief behind Mikolas. He felt especially encouraged by the timing and rhythm of his delivery, which had been a point of focus with pitching coach Mike Maddux in recent side sessions.

The Cardinals haven’t announced whether Hudson’s first Major League start will come in Milwaukee or against the Pirates in their home opener. Either way, Hudson, the organization’s fourth-ranked prospect, will enter the regular season with a run of 12 consecutive scoreless innings.

“It’s a dream,” Hudson said of earning a spot in the big league rotation. “Being able to play in the big leagues, whether it be as a starter or in the bullpen, this will be my first full season. I feel very comfortable going into it. I feel like I have been working on the right things. I’m excited about what’s ahead.”

Wieters eager for opportunity
Now that he’s earned a spot on the club’s Opening Day roster, Matt Wieters must figure out how to adjust his routine to fit an unfamiliar role. For the first time in his 10-year Major League career, Wieters is earmarked to be a backup.

The Cardinals hope starts will be scarce for Wieters, only because that would indicate uncompromised health for Molina. Wieters has already begun to ask questions of other backup catchers, including Francisco Pena, whom he beat out for the job, about how they stayed sharp without the benefit of regular repetition.

More than anything, it’ll mean building in time for more work on the side.

“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to start the year [with the Cardinals] and then just continue to get better,” Wieters said. “I feel physically ready, which is all you really need to do when it comes to Spring Training. Make sure that your body is ready to go for the long haul.”

By not signing until Feb. 27, Wieters spent the spring playing catchup. He’s had to learn a new pitching staff while also trying to find his rhythm offensively. With one hit in three at-bats against Washington on Saturday, Wieters moved to 4-for-27 in Grapefruit League action.

“That’s about on par for me in Spring Training,” he said. “I don’t really think I’ve ever torn it up in Spring Training. That’s why this year was going to be a little bit different because I was like, ‘Oh boy, I don’t know if I’ve ever had to win a job before.’ But no, once the lights go on and the games come, I’m pretty confident that the adrenaline level helps you out a little bit.”

Edmonds takes new role
Jim Edmonds will join the Cardinals in an official capacity this season after being named a special assistant to John Mozeliak, the president of baseball operations. Edmonds has been a guest instructor in previous camps, but his presence has been much more noticeable this year alongside manager Mike Shildt.

“Jimmy has got a really high baseball IQ, and he sees the game really, really well,” Shildt said. “We’ve used him in a variety of roles, and he’s done a great job with his communication. He has the heart for it. He’s elevating our group.”

Up next
The Cardinals will close out Grapefruit League play on Sunday with a 12:05 p.m. CT game against the Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Jack Flaherty is expected to throw about 65 pitches in his final spring start. The Cardinals could feature their projected Opening Day lineup if Matt Carpenter (back tightness) gets clearance to return.