Cardinals' Alec Burleson: Garners start at DH

Burleson will serve as the Cardinals' designated hitter and No. 6 batter in Thursday's season opener against the Dodgers.

The Cardinals have been hamstrung by injuries, but Burleson also earned a spot in the Opening Day lineup with a .988 OPS this spring. At least to start the season, the lefty-hitting Burleson looks to have earned the strong side of a platoon role at designated hitter over fellow lefty hitter Matt Carpenter.