Reds send their newest starter in opener

CINCINNATI >> Jeremy Hellickson was still getting accustomed to the name on his jersey when he started the season opener for the Phillies in Cincinnati last year. The right-hander did very well in the high-profile start, and he’ll get to make another one on Monday at Great American Ball Park.

His counterpart? Someone still getting accustomed to the name on his jersey.

Scott Feldman will open for the Reds less than three months after he signed with them in a move to fill one of several openings in the middle of the rotation. Elbow injuries to Homer Bailey and Anthony DeSclafani put him in line to make his third opening day start — he’s also done it for the Rangers (2010) and Astros (2014).

“It’s pretty cool,” Feldman said. “I know the about the history of Cincinnati, being like the capital of opening day.”

Cincinnati has baseball’s oldest professional franchise and does it up like a holiday. There’s a pregame parade through downtown that draws thousands of red-clad fans to see the floats and the celebrities and the grand marshal — this year, it’s former Reds star Sean Casey.

Yes, first baseman who is known as “The Mayor” around these parts because of his popularity will be in the spotlight more than the actual mayor.

This opener matches a pair of rebuilding teams with young lineups that started it off in Cincinnati a year ago as well. The last time the Reds opened against the same team in back-to-back seasons was 2006-07 against the Cubs.

MOLINA GETS EXTENSION FROM CARDINALS >> Yadier Molina wanted to stay in St. Louis. The Cardinals wanted to keep him.

Then they just had to agree to the finances.

St. Louis announced Sunday it had finalized a new contract with the seven-time All-Star than runs through the 2020 season.

Molina’s previous deal called for a $14 million salary this year and a $15 million mutual option for 2018 with a $2 million buyout. The 34-year-old from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, wanted a new agreement before Sunday night’s opener.

Molina was selected by St. Louis in the fourth round of the 2000 amateur draft and broke into the majors in 2004.

Since Molina’s major league debut, St. Louis has made nine playoff appearances and won two World Series titles. Molina is a .285 hitter with 108 homers and 703 RBIs in 1,611 games, but his biggest value to the Cardinals likely is on the defensive side.

Molina is an eight-time Gold Glove winner — only Ivan Rodriguez (13) and Johnny Bench (10) have more among catchers. Molina also has played an integral role in the development of the Cardinals’ pitching staff.