The Cardinals’ rotation picture may be shifting fast, and Quinn Mathews looks like the name to watch.
St. Louis had originally lined up the left-hander to start Thursday for Triple-A Memphis, but that plan changed.
Jeff Jones of the Belleville News Democrat reported that the Redbirds now list Brandt Thompson and Jared Shuster as their starters for a doubleheader, while Mathews “does not appear through Sunday.” Jones also noted that Marmol said he would update the rotation postgame.
The Cardinals originally said that Quinn Mathews would pitch today for Memphis. They now list Brandt Thompson and Jared Shuster as their starters for their doubleheader.
Mathews does not appear through Sunday. Marmol said he would update the rotation postgame.
#AClue
That kind of change usually gets attention for a reason, and in this case it points toward a possible promotion. Mathews has been one of the more encouraging arms in the organization, and St. Louis could use another option as the big-league staff starts to wobble.
Matthew Liberatore has struggled over the past several months, and he is scheduled to start Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays. If the Cardinals decide they’ve seen enough, Mathews would be a logical candidate to step in. He has pitched well in Memphis and has earned a shot at the major league rotation.
There’s also another wrinkle. Because the Cardinals are selling, Dustin May could be on the way out, which would create a different opening if St.
Louis chooses to keep Liberatore in place. Either way, Mathews appears to be in position for a call soon.
For a Cardinals system that looks stronger than it did a few years ago, having a starter like Mathews ready to plug in matters. All signs point to him getting that chance over the weekend in Toronto, with changes likely coming to the current rotation before the trade deadline.
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