Jhonny Peralta makes his 2016 season debut tonight in Cincinnati, and partially reshapes the Cardinals’ infield defense in the process. Peralta has been recovering from left thumb surgery, following an early March injury. The 34-year old has hit .269 with 38 home runs, and 146 RBI in his 2 seasons as a Cardinal.

Matt Carpenter remains in the lead-off spot tonight, but will be making his season debut at second base. It’s a position that Carpenter played at in 288 games from 2013-14, but has manned in only 11 games since.

Here’s the Cardinals’ line-up tonight with Mike Leake facing his former team, going up against lefty John Lamb.

1.Matt Carpenter 2B

2.Aledmys Diza SS

3.Matt Holliday LF

4.Stephen Piscotty RF

5.Jhonny Peralta 3B

6.Matt Adams 1B

7.Yadi Molina C

8.Randal Grichuk CF

9.Mike Leake P

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