Cardinals' exhibition game with Twins gets rained out

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- While most of his Minnesota Twins teammates headed home for the day, right-hander Ricky Nolasco stayed at Hammond Stadium after Thursday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals was rained out and threw a simulated game.

Signed to a four-year, $49 million contact this offseason, Nolasco was working on three days' rest.

Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright chose not to throw a simulated game after the rainout. He is slated to start today's game in Jupiter, Fla., against the Miami Marlins. Wainwright's pitch limit should be around 40.

Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras, Baseball America's No.3 overall prospect, made the three-hour bus ride from Jupiter and tested his balky ankle in drills on a back field. Taveras, who has yet to play this spring, slid into bases and could see game action this weekend.

Noteworthy

* Cardinals All-Star infielder Matt Carpenter is nearing agreement on a six-year contract in excess of $52 million, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Carpenter, 28, led the majors with 126 runs scored last season and led the National League with 199 hits. Without a new deal, Carpenter could be eligible for salary arbitration after the 2014 season.