It’s early June, but the St. Louis Cardinals have stormed back into the postseason hunt. For that to continue, they need to solve the end of their rotation. The Cardinals entered spring training with five clear starting pitchers — Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, and Steven Matz. Three of those pitchers they acquired in free agency. Gray ended up starting the season on the injured list, shortly after he came back Matz got hurt. Questions surrounding the fifth starter role are ongoing. As they continue to push through the National League Central standings, the biggest question has moved from the once-struggling offense to the starting rotation.
The Cardinals Need a Fifth Starter for Their Rotation
Andre Pallante has been the latest solution to the Cardinals fifth-starter woes. The left-hander has a 6.16 ERA in 2024. He’s more so been in the bullpen, but he has started his last two games. The first start in late May was great, going for six innings with no earned runs and just three hits against the Cincinnati Reds. On Tuesday he gave up three runs in a loss to the Houston Astros.
Pallante was a lifeline to the Cardinals bullpen in 2022. He put up a 3.17 ERA across 108 innings out of the bullpen with 73 strikeouts. In 2023 he backslid some with a 4.76 ERA in 68 innings pitched with 43 strikeouts. He’ll likely get another start or two to prove himself to manager Oliver Marmol. He would be the only left-hander if he stays in the rotation.
Andre Pallante tells @TheCatOnBallyTV about the impact of a conversation with Oli Marmol before his recent option and return as a starter: “The whole conversation was about how can I improve as a pitcher. … That’s everything you can ask for from an organization.” #STLCards pic.twitter.com/X3JY5ZaWN8
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) May 31, 2024
“I was excited for it,” Pallante said after his start against the Reds. “I like starting, I feel like that’s where I’m at my best. It’s kind of like a challenge a little bit, I always felt that way and it’s kind of time to put my money where my mouth is and go out there and perform.”
The Internal Option
The other option on the roster as a starter is Matthew Liberatore. Once a highly touted prospect, the Cardinals traded for Liberatore in January 2020 for outfielder Randy Arozerena. Liberatore has started three games this season and has yet to go farther than four innings, posting a 4.80 ERA in 30 innings pitched in 2024. If Pallante’s struggles continue moving forward, Liberatore may step in.
Matz is scheduled to make a rehab start with Triple-A Memphis this week. However, Mats is 1-2 with a 6.18 ERA in six starts. The Cardinals will likely give him another chance once completely healthy from his lower back strain if Pallante doesn’t blow them away. However, if his struggles so far in 2024 continue, they could look elsewhere for that fifth starter.
Minor League Options
If Matz’s injury keeps him out longer– or if he doesn’t prove up to snuff when he returns — the Cardinals may give one of their minor-league starters a look. Sem Robberse, Gordon Graceffo, and Adam Kloffenstein have each started 11 games for the Redbirds and have been effective in their own kind of way.
Robberse has a 3.53 ERA with 65 strikeouts and 3.31 strikeouts per walk. Kloffenstin’s numbers aren’t so better than Robberse’s, who’s posted a 4.84 ERA in nine starts this season. But he has 39 strikeouts in 48 1/3 minor league innings. Kloffenstein specializes in his off-speed stuff with good breaking stuff and a tricky breaking ball. His velocity hasn’t impressed, but his ability to hit the strike zone could be enticing to the Cardinals who just need someone to give them a chance at the end of the rotation.
Kloffenstein is the Cardinals’ No. 15 ranked prospect. While his velocity also doesn’t blow anyone away, it’s a good five mph faster than Robberse’s. His sinker is where he shines, fooling hitters after showing them a league-average fastball. Kloffenstein has a 4.43 ERA with 42 strikeouts across 63 innings in Memphis this year.
Possible Trade Targets
A recent win streak has changed the complexion of the Cardinals’ season. June will be a pivotal month to decide if the Cardinals will be buyers at the trade deadline or sellers again.
“We’re going to have to pay attention to what’s happening on waiver wires as well as kicking the tires on some potential trades,” Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak told KMOX sports on May 19.
The Miami Marlins are going to be sellers at the July 30 trade deadline. Jesús Luzardo has struggled this season and spent time on the IL. He could be an option if the Cardinals are looking to add another pitcher. The Cardinals could look to the last-place Chicago White Sox for a deal at the deadline. Erick Fedde is signed through 2025 and Garret Crochet’s name is appearing in the rumor mill.
It doesn’t appear that the Cardinals have all the pieces they need. They’re left doing their best to push the closest thing to a fit that they can find.
Main Photo: © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
