Fryer will open the season as the Cardinals' backup catcher after it was announced Saturday that Brayan Pena (knee) will begin the year on the DL, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pena is set to undergo a minor knee procedure and is expected to miss 2-4 weeks. In the meantime, Fryer will back up Yadier Molina in what will likely be a rather reduced role.