Worth noting

• Right-hander Jose Almarante, a non-roster invitee, was the only absent player in Thursday's first official workout for pitchers and catchers. Almarante has been delayed in leaving the Dominican Republic due to visa issues.

• A day after Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter announced his intentions to retire after the 2014 season, Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said that he has "nothing but respect" for the future Hall of Famer.

"You look at being in that market and then being able to keep his name as clean as he has being a superstar player in that market, that's a lot to ask of anybody," Matheny added. "I think he has been just a great ambassador for the game, obviously a great ambassador for the Yankees. He's just somebody that, as you walk through the clubhouse, even for those who never met him, you have the utmost respect for him."

The Cardinals and their fans will have an opportunity to help send off Jeter when the Yankees visit Busch Stadium from May 26-28.

• Asked about the possibility of reigning in Yadier Molina's starts behind the plate, Matheny said the organization does not intend to change its handling of the veteran catcher. Molina has started 128 games in each of the last five seasons.

• On Thursday, the Cardinals released their 35-item promotional schedule, which includes bobbleheads of Michael Wacha and Jack Buck, three replica World Series rings and a replica Bob Gibson jersey. For a full listing of the 2014 promotions, visit cardinals.com/promotions.

The organization also announced that it will offer fans the opportunity to win the promotional item ahead of time via a 'Win it Wednesday' twitter initiative that will incorporate the hashtag #CardsPromo.