Breaking News: Cardinals Shared High Significant News On Pitching Depth

The St. Louis Cardinals are just five games into a grueling stretch of 29 games over 30 days. This demanding schedule will challenge the depth of their pitching staff—both starters and relievers—and serve as a true measure of the team’s overall strength, especially after posting the best record in baseball during the month of May.

Expanding the Starting Rotation

To manage a demanding stretch of games with few off-days, the Cardinals plan to expand their starting rotation to six pitchers once again. Earlier this season, they did something similar by shifting veteran Steven Matz from the bullpen to a starting role. This time, however, they’re expected to call up rising prospect Michael McGreevy from Triple-A for an extended stint in the majors.

 

 

McGreevy’s first outing during this stretch will be a significant challenge, as he’s set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in a game where the Cardinals could complete a sweep of the reigning World Series champions.

A first-round draft pick in 2021, McGreevy has made a strong impression early in his MLB career, posting a 1.57 ERA across several appearances, including spot starts last year and a 5.2-inning scoreless relief performance this season. He’s likely to have several chances to prove himself in the weeks ahead.

Meanwhile, Matz has become an essential part of the bullpen, making it risky to move him back into the rotation. In 17 relief appearances this year, he’s recorded a 2.86 ERA while serving in both long and short relief roles. Though he’s been excellent in his two starts—posting a 1.00 ERA—the Cardinals now have the depth to keep the 34-year-old in the bullpen thanks to McGreevy’s emergence.

A Question Mark with Their Most Consistent Starter

The Cardinals’ situation grew more concerning after Matthew Liberatore’s recent outing. The 25-year-old was pulled in the fifth inning of his start against the Kansas City Royals when his fastball velocity unexpectedly dropped from the high 90s to the high 80s. The team labeled him day-to-day with fatigue, but Liberatore pushed back on that explanation.

 

 

“I wasn’t worried about pain or fatigue,” he told reporters postgame. “I was just trying to make adjustments but ran out of time.”

Liberatore believes he simply lost his rhythm. He gave up five runs in the game, raising his ERA from a team-best 2.73 to 3.82. Despite the rough outing, he’s still slated to take the mound for his next start on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

An Improved Bullpen Seeks to Keep Momentum

The Cardinals’ bullpen showed noticeable improvement in May. By the end of April, their bullpen ERA ranked sixth-worst in the league, but by June 7, they had climbed to a mid-tier ranking, sitting at 16th.

Ryan Fernandez, who had a rough start to the season with an 11.42 ERA despite being a bright spot in 2024, was optioned to Triple-A. Roddery Muñoz has faced similar struggles, holding a 9.53 ERA, though he has been used in brief appearances when the team needs a fresh arm.

St. Louis has taken a flexible approach with their Triple-A roster, frequently shuttling Gordon Graceffo and Matt Svanson between Memphis and the big league club over the past month. Meanwhile, Phil Maton and Kyle Leahy have been reliable contributors, posting ERAs of 2.25 and 2.34, respectively. Left-handers JoJo Romero and Steven Matz have also provided strong support from the bullpen.

Ryan Helsley, who led MLB in saves last year, has encountered some challenges this season. He owns a 3.52 ERA with four blown saves but remains the team’s preferred closer. Notably, he ranks fourth among relievers in innings pitched, suggesting the Cardinals are mindful of managing his workload.

The Key for the Pitching Staff Over the Next Month

The Cardinals’ starting pitchers, now operating within a deeper rotation, must avoid brief appearances over the coming month. Outings limited to three innings could set off a chain reaction that strains the bullpen and forces the team to dip into less reliable minor league depth.

 

 

While the offense has generally provided enough support to keep games competitive, overusing the bullpen could expose its vulnerabilities and put the team in a tough spot.

Matthew Liberatore will be a key figure in the rotation. If his recent struggles weren’t just a temporary issue, the Cardinals may need to shift Steven Matz back into a starting role, which would significantly impact the bullpen’s structure.

With a 36-28 record, the Cardinals have played their way into playoff contention. The stability of the pitching staff will be crucial in determining whether they can maintain their position in the Wild Card and division races through July or begin to fade.