St. Louis Cardinals' Marcell Ozuna is congratulated by teammates after scoring during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)
As part of a planned visit to the Dominican Republic to mark a milestone for the organization’s future, Cardinals executive John Mozeliak intends to make a side trip next week to check in on an essential part of the team’s present.
Outfielder Marcell Ozuna, who had surgery on his right shoulder earlier this offseason to address pain that limited him all of last season, has assured the team he will “be ready” for spring training. He has elected to house his rehab work in the Dominican instead of Jupiter, Fla., and that has left the team to check in remotely on Ozuna’s progress toward a throwing program. Mozeliak added that he couldn’t confirm whether Ozuna had started hitting.
“I think he’ll be ready to go in spring. I’m not overly concerned,” said Mozeliak, president of baseball operations, who is headed to the Dominican to attend the first graduation at the team’s new academy. “He’s going to spend the remainder of his offseason in the Dominican Republic, which is not ideal in terms of our medical staff being able to get a firm grasp of where he’s at. … Hopefully, I can get a sense of where he is. Candidly, with three weeks remaining before we go (to spring training), there’s not a lot you can do. He has promised me he will be ready, so I guess I’ll have to take him at his word.”
As the Cardinals near the report date for spring, Ozuna and reliever Luke Gregerson stand out as medical uncertainties. Reliever Brett Cecil has slimmed down, Mozeliak said, and will have no limitations entering spring. Gregerson’s offseason “has not been perfect.” The veteran righthander was limited by shoulder and knee troubles in 2018, and arm issues have persisted during his throwing this winter. Mozeliak said Gregerson is “trying to put the pieces back together a little bit.”
The Cardinals began the offseason by reaching out to all players on the 40-man roster with information about their performance and suggested improvements or workouts they could incorporate in the winter. Mozeliak said the team wanted to share “accountability” with the player — and not go months between one season’s end and spring’s start without conversation. Of chief interest to the team was assuring that injured players, like Ozuna, stick with a rehab and strengthening program that wouldn’t limit them in February.
Ozuna reported to spring training a year ago unable to throw at full strength because of an impingement in his shoulder, and what started as a limited throwing program leaked into the season, when he struggled to throw hard. Ozuna said his arm would go numb for stretches.
The soreness also sapped him of power.
Asked if the Cardinals could handle Ozuna repeating last year’s production and sore-shoulder issues, Mozeliak said: “I think it would be good enough for this current team. If he’s better, even better.
“Last year he was injured quite a bit and wouldn’t even opt out of the lineup, so he’s going to show up and he’s going to be a positive contributor,” Mozeliak said. “The question would be how much, but I don’t know if being in Jupiter vs. being in the Dominican would’ve changed the outcome of that.”
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna throws long toss in the outfield during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna steps into a batting cage on a practice field for the first time during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna takes batting practice during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna takes batting practice during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna takes batting practice during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna (left) steps onto the practice field for the first time during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. At right is right fielder Dexter Fowler. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna practices catching balls barehanded during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals coach Willie McGee talks with outfielders Dexter Fowler (left) and Marcell Ozuna (center) at spring training in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder instructor Willie McGee (right) talks with right fielder Dexter Fowler (left) and left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna wraps his batting gloves around his bat after hitting during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals outfield instructor Willie McGee (center) talks with outfielders Dexter Fowler (left) and Marcell Ozuna as president of baseball operations John Mozeliak looks on at spring training. (Post-Dispatch photo by Chris Lee)
St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Dexter Fowler practices catching balls barehanded during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Right fielder Dexter Fowler hones a skill he will never use during a major-league game — catching a ball barehanded. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals farm director Gary LaRocque (left), manager Mike Matheny and president of baseball operations John Mozeliak talk during a workout at spring training in February. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez uses his glove hand to toss the ball home in a fielding drill during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Dexter Fowler (left) greets team chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. at spring training. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Dexter Fowler (right) talks with left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bud Norris (right) talks with manager Mike Matheny after throwing a bullpen session during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Alex Reyes tosses to home plate in a fielding drill during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina throws to second base in a defensive drill during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina throws to third base as Francisco Pena stands in as the batter at the plate during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals catcher Francisco Pena (right) throws during a defensive drill at spring training as teammate Carson Kelly stands in as the batter. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Francisco Pena blocks a ball while catching a bullpen session during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals hitting coach John Mabry during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals coach Willie McGee (right) talks with Dexter Fowler (left) and Marcell Ozuna during a spring training workout in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher John Gant covers home plate in a fielding drill during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals bullpen coach Bryan Eversgerd talks with Triple A Memphis pitching coach Dernier Orozco during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Steven Baron throw to third base as Francisco Pena stands in as the batter at the plate during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Luke Weaver throws a bullpen session during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Derian Gonzalez throws home in a fielding drill during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jacob Woodford tosses to home plate in a fielding drill during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jacob Woodford throws home in a fielding drill during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsely tosses the ball home in a fielding drill during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jordan Hicks covers home plate in a fielding drill during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Andrew Knizner catches a bullpen session during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Andrew Knizner during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Dennis Ortega catches a bullpen session during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Dennis Ortega catches a bullpen session during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Dennis Ortega talks with pitcher Matt Bowman before catching Bowman's bullpen session during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Photos: Ozuna works out for first time at Cards spring training
Left fielder Marcell Ozuna made his first appearance on the Cardinals practice fields as spring training workouts continued in Jupiter, Fla., for Cardinals players on Saturday, Feb. 17. Photos by Chris Lee, clee@post-disaptch.com
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Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna at spring training. Chris Lee photo / Post-Dispatch
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St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna throws long toss in the outfield during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Chris Lee
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Chris Lee
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna steps into a batting cage on a practice field for the first time during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna takes batting practice during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Chris Lee
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna takes batting practice during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Chris Lee
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna takes batting practice during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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Dexter Fowler takes batting practice at spring training as Cardinals teammate Marcell Ozuna watches. Post-Dispatch photo by Chris Lee.
Cardinals spring training
Chris Lee
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Chris Lee
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Chris Lee
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna (left) steps onto the practice field for the first time during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. At right is right fielder Dexter Fowler. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Chris Lee
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Chris Lee
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna practices catching balls barehanded during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Cardinals coach Willie McGee talks with outfielders Dexter Fowler (left) and Marcell Ozuna (center) at spring training in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Chris Lee
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder instructor Willie McGee (right) talks with right fielder Dexter Fowler (left) and left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna wraps his batting gloves around his bat after hitting during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Cardinals outfield instructor Willie McGee (center) talks with outfielders Dexter Fowler (left) and Marcell Ozuna as president of baseball operations John Mozeliak looks on at spring training. (Post-Dispatch photo by Chris Lee)
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Dexter Fowler practices catching balls barehanded during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Right fielder Dexter Fowler hones a skill he will never use during a major-league game — catching a ball barehanded. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina talks with Carson Kelly during Cardinals spring training. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals farm director Gary LaRocque (left), manager Mike Matheny and president of baseball operations John Mozeliak talk during a workout at spring training in February. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez uses his glove hand to toss the ball home in a fielding drill during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Dexter Fowler (left) greets team chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. at spring training. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Dexter Fowler (right) talks with left fielder Marcell Ozuna during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
Cardinals pitcher Bud Norris throws a bullpen session in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bud Norris (right) talks with manager Mike Matheny after throwing a bullpen session during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Alex Reyes tosses to home plate in a fielding drill during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Alex Reyes throws home in a fielding drill in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina throws to second base in a defensive drill during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina throws to third base as Francisco Pena stands in as the batter at the plate during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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Cardinals catcher Francisco Pena (right) throws during a defensive drill at spring training as teammate Carson Kelly stands in as the batter. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
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Cardinals catcher Francisco Pena at a spring training workout. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals catcher Francisco Pena blocks a ball while catching a bullpen session during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training
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St. Louis Cardinals hitting coach John Mabry during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com