The Cardinals are still, like all of baseball, generating the data that will strengthen these decisions. The Cardinals’ new department is a catch-all for improving training, strengthening, nutrition, and even rest. These no longer exist in separate silos. Butler will work with staffs throughout the minors. Mozeliak said in time the new approaches will begin “with our entry-level players and it’s something they utilize and grow into as they advance in the system.”

Fatigue is one of the chief areas of attention. The studies and information available help the Cardinals identify precursors for injuries — such as the stress reaction weakness found in Michael Wacha’s shoulder in 2014 — but they also seek to know more about how to be preventative. An example would be understanding when fatigue causes injury or inhibits peak production.

Such information could influence baseball decisions.

Wainwright joked that he’s the new medical setup’s “lab rat” this spring. He has acted upon suggestions to improve his weightroom work, and he was able with help from the staff and its data to address instability in a smaller muscle.

“They’re presenting us with a lot of science-based, tried-and-true type things that present each guy with their own tool for correctives to be the best we can be,” Wainwright said.