Looking to continue their climb back into the playoff picture after an abysmal start to the season, the St. Louis Cardinals need to move pitcher Steven Matz out of the rotation and into the bullpen.
In the second year of a 4 year, $44M contract Matz has made 20 starts as a Cardinals with a record of 5-9 with a 5.49 ERA while allowing 16 home runs over 98 1/3 innings pitched.
Steven Matz has now made 20 starts as a Cardinal.
— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) May 25, 2023
He has completed six innings in only two of those starts. He's never completed seven.
Far from what the Cardinals could have expected when they made the signing, and with a few prospects ready to contribute at the big league level the move should be made now.
Matz likely has little, if any trade value thanks to his poor production and the salary that comes along with him. Unless a solid prospect is attached to the deal, which would be counter-productive at this point Matz is here to stay.
With the Cardinals also looking for help in the bullpen, Matz is still valuable against left-handed batters. Allowing lefties to a minuscule slash line of .189/.268/.297 all may not be lost on Matz's ability to contribute to the team.
Okay I know everyone hates Steven Matz right now. (I’m in that group)
— Redbird Nerds (@redbirdnerds) May 25, 2023
HOWEVER, lefties have real trouble with him. That can be very valuable out of the bullpen.
Just trying to find a silver lining. pic.twitter.com/Ro7KIliZf2
Currently, five games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers the Cardinals can't afford to let Matz figure it out on the mound when every game is crucial.
With top pitching prospect Matthew Liberatore getting a second start versus the Cleveland Guardians Friday evening, this could be the precursor to moving Matz to the bullpen if Liberatore has another successful start.
Matthew Liberatore is back!
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 18, 2023
MLB's No. 92 prospect had his fastball and curve working to fan 6 across five scoreless frames in his 2023 @Cardinals debut.
95.6 mph
97.6
79.8
77.9
77.9
94.5 pic.twitter.com/aJ6Lq9qDHA
With pitching prospects Gordon Graceffo and Michael McGreevy both in Triple-A, they are also on the verge of making their MLB debut in 2023 if needed.
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