Key Takeaways:
– Cardinals’ starting pitcher, Steven Matz, placed on injured list due to a back injury.
– The team plans to manage rotation in his absence. Potential options include Kyle Gibson and Matthew Liberatore.
– Questions surround Matz’s role in the team given performance and injury record after signing a four-year, $44 million contract in 2022.
– Possible replacement options from Triple-A Memphis include Sem Rebberse and Zack Thompson.
Body of Article:
Cardinals Hit by Injury Anew
The St. Louis Cardinals are grappling with another major setback as their starting pitcher, Stephen Matz, joins the injured list. According to Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, a back injury incurred during a recent running stint will keep Matz off the field until mid-May. This latest development further tests the Cardinals’ squad depth, who are already dealing with multiple injuries this season.
Managing the Rotation Gap
With Matz sidelined, the Cardinals will reshuffle the rotation to manage this unanticipated scenario. Oliver Marmol, the Cardinals’ skipper, informed that the club is exploring several options. Power pitcher Lance Lynn is slated to take the mound this Saturday, while right-hander Kyle Gibson is predicted to fill Matz’s spot in Sunday’s rotation. Additionally, former starting pitcher and now left-handed reliever Matthew Liberatore might assume the ball on Tuesday, but the decision is still in the balance.
Marmol highlighted the available alternatives stating, “We could move up Kyle Gibson and fill the spot later, go for a bullpen day, or even bring up someone from Triple-A. We’re studying what’s best in both short and long term scenarios. We’re still working on the final verdict.”
Meanwhile, Marmol conveyed optimism about Matz’s return from the injury, stating he will resume activity only when cleared by the medical staff.
Question Mark over Matz’s Position
The team’s decision will be heavily influenced by two aspects – Matz’s disappointing performance since joining the Cardinals and his persistent injuries. With a 55-60 record and a 4.31 ERA throughout his career, Matz joined St. Louis in 2022 with a four-year, $44 million contract. Despite his impressive record at the Toronto Blue Jays, subsequent issues have cast doubt over this investment’s success.
Since becoming a Cardinal, Matz’s stint has been riddled with injury breaks, and he’s managed just 10-12. Even his latest outing against the Detroit Tigers was unimpressive, allowing four runs on seven hits in barely over three innings.
The team’s faith in Matz, combined with his less than stellar performance and the high-value contract, has earned criticism from fans and pundits alike. Speculation is rife that the Cardinals might relegate Matz to the bullpen and look for fresher talent from their Triple-A Memphis team.
Searching for a Replacement
In his column, Ben Fredrickson of the Post-Dispatch suggested this could be an opportunity for the Cardinals to pivot. Rumors of promoting young starters from Triple-A Memphis are gaining ground. Options could include right-hander Sem Rebberse or Zack Thompson, who was earlier included in the starting five due to Sonny Gray’s injury.
As the fourth-placed team in the NL Central, the Cardinals have once again proven their resilience in the face of adversity – recalling right-handed reliever Kyle Leahy to take Matz’s place on the roster for the time being.
With a series of strategic moves still to come, the Cardinals have their task cut out – managing this crisis while preparing for Matz’s potential return.