JUPITER, Fla. (KMOX) -- He's back.
Yadier Molina, the 10-time All-Star catcher who missed the first week of spring training for personal reasons, returned to the team's complex Monday to a team that welcomed him with open arms.
Molina arrived at the Cardinals' facility at approximately 12:50 PM and was greeted warmly by team personnel. He then ran through the checklist of things a player must do when reporting to camp, including taking a physical. Once that was completed, he re-entered the clubhouse where he attended a team meeting before taking the field with his teammates. The 9-time Gold Glover carried his equipment -- including a couple of bats -- out onto Field 1 where he started a workout by running the bases, then playing catch alongside Nolan Arenado.
It was something that Molina had waited a long time to experience.
"It's been tough the last couple months," said Molina, who like all players wasn't permitted to communicate with the Cardinals during the lockout. "But everything is right, right now. I'm happy to be back."
Molina, who said it was "fun" to see his teammates again, estimated he could be back playing games with them in "four or five days," just because he hasn't seen pitches yet. But he has remained in shape while away from the team.
"I get used to it fast," Molina said. "So we'll see what happens."
You can hear his full Q&A in front of his locker in the clip above, which aired on KMOX's St. Louis Talks.