JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Jhonny Peralta has made an early arrival at spring training and says he’s eager to meet his new teammates. Peralta checked into camp on Thursday, four days ahead of the mandatory reporting date.

Peralta was suspended for 50 games last season while with Detroit because of his involvement with the Biogenesis drug scandal. The 31-year-old free agent then signed a four-year deal with the Cardinals worth $53 million.

Cardinals fans have seemed to welcome Peralta, but the two-time All-Star says he’s expects a different reception once St. Louis hits the road.