The St. Louis Cardinals may not need to make a blockbuster trade to strengthen their pitching staff ahead of the second half of the season. Instead, the club has several internal options that could provide an immediate boost to a rotation that has shown promise but continues to struggle with inconsistency.
St. Louis heads into a crucial stretch of the season after snapping a four-game losing streak with a victory over the Miami Marlins. The win offered some much-needed momentum before the Cardinals begin one of their toughest stretches of the year. Following an off day, they will host the National League East-leading Atlanta Braves in a three-game series before facing the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Braves once again. With multiple matchups against playoff-caliber opponents over the next two weeks, the Cardinals are about to face the biggest test of their 2026 campaign.
At the halfway point of the regular season, St. Louis owns a 43-38 record, putting the club in position to claim a postseason berth if the playoffs began today. However, with 81 games still remaining, the Cardinals have little room for error as they attempt to prove they belong among the National League’s contenders.
The upcoming schedule could determine whether this young roster has what it takes to remain in the playoff race. Strong performances against teams like Atlanta, Chicago, and Milwaukee would validate the Cardinals’ postseason credentials, while a disappointing stretch could quickly send them tumbling down the standings.
One area that appears in need of immediate attention is the starting rotation. Although St. Louis ranks 13th in Major League Baseball with a 4.19 ERA from its starters, those numbers don’t fully reflect the talent within the group. Several members of the rotation have delivered dependable performances throughout the season.
Michael McGreevy has been one of the club’s most reliable starters, posting an impressive 3.12 ERA while consistently giving the Cardinals quality innings. Andre Pallante has also been effective with a solid 3.83 ERA, while Kyle Leahy has quietly contributed with a respectable 4.09 mark. Dustin May’s 4.30 ERA is somewhat misleading, as one disastrous six-run outing against the Kansas City Royals on June 21 significantly inflated his overall numbers.
The biggest concern has been Matthew Liberatore, who opened the season as the Cardinals’ Opening Day starter but has struggled to find consistency. Through 16 starts, Liberatore owns a disappointing 5.56 ERA, and his performance has worsened over the past two months. Since April 25, he has recorded a troubling 6.57 ERA across 11 starts, suggesting that his struggles are no longer just a temporary slump.
Given that extended stretch of poor results, the Cardinals may need to make a difficult decision. Whether that means sending Liberatore to Triple-A to regain his confidence or transitioning him into a bullpen role, a change appears increasingly necessary if the club hopes to remain competitive during the demanding weeks ahead.
The organization has already shown a willingness to make bold roster decisions this season, previously demoting former top contributors Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott II in an effort to improve the team’s overall performance. Applying that same approach to the pitching staff could be the logical next step.
Fortunately for St. Louis, the club has several promising internal replacements capable of stepping into the rotation without requiring a trade.
The most straightforward option would be Hunter Dobbins, who has impressed during his limited opportunities in the major leagues. Across four appearances, including two starts, Dobbins has compiled a strong 3.63 ERA and has demonstrated that he can compete effectively against big-league hitters. Promoting him into a permanent starting role would be the simplest move and would reward his early success.
Another intriguing candidate is Brycen Mautz, who has excelled at Triple-A this season. The left-hander owns a stellar 2.83 ERA through 14 starts and has consistently displayed the command and consistency needed to earn a major league opportunity. His success in the minors suggests he may be ready for the next step.
Perhaps the most exciting option is Quinn Mathews, one of the Cardinals’ top-ranked prospects and the organization’s No. 6 overall prospect. Although he has yet to make his major league debut, Mathews has continued to build momentum with a 3.95 ERA in 15 Triple-A starts while dominating opponents in recent weeks. His recent form has fueled speculation that his first call-up could arrive sooner rather than later.
Each of these pitchers offers a different level of experience, but all three could provide the Cardinals with a stronger option than what they have recently received from Liberatore. Dobbins represents the safest and most immediate solution, Mautz offers consistent production from Triple-A, while Mathews carries the highest long-term upside and could inject fresh energy into the rotation.
With a daunting schedule looming and every game carrying increased importance in the playoff race, the Cardinals may not have the luxury of waiting for Liberatore to rediscover his form. An internal promotion could provide the spark the rotation needs, allowing St. Louis to strengthen one of its few weaknesses without sacrificing prospects or making a costly trade before the deadline.
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