Nootbaar reached base three times and scored a pair of runs Wednesday as the Cardinals defeated the Nationals in Grapefruit League play.

EDGE Analysis

Nootbaar singled twice and drew a walk and is now sporting a .480 on-base percentage this spring. He hit leadoff Wednesday and is a candidate to bat there during the regular season, but Masyn Winn (wrist) -- who didn't play Wednesday -- is still the likely favorite to hit at the top of the batting order for St. Louis.