Cardinals' Adam Wainwright: Looks strong in first session against hitters

Wainwright "looked great" while throwing to hitters for the first time Sunday, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Analysis:

The two-time 20-game winner turned in an uneven campaign in 2016, compiling a solid 13-9 record but also giving up a career high in homers (22) and generating his highest ERA (4.62) since a three-appearance stint in 2005, his first season with any major league game action. Wainwright also exhibited some uncharacteristic control problems, as evidenced by a 1.40 WHIP that equaled the second highest of his career. However, the 35-year-old righty still slots in as the Cardinals' projected No. 2 starter behind ace Carlos Martinez, so Sunday's report, which came courtesy of pitching coach Derek Lilliquist, represents an encouraging start.