Cardinals Rotation Shake-up: Liberatore's Spot in Jeopardy?

The St. Louis Cardinals have demonstrated a willingness to adjust their roster when players struggle in the major leagues during the 2026 season. This approach has seen players like Victor Scott II, Nolan Gorman, and Pedro Pagés optioned down to Triple-A due to offensive difficulties. However, a significant decision looms regarding the starting rotation, specifically concerning Matthew Liberatore.

Liberatore has posted a 5.15 ERA across 23 starts this season, with a concerning 5.78 ERA in 71 2/3 innings pitched since May 13. Despite these struggles, the Cardinals have not yet made a change in this crucial area. President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom acknowledged the "inconsistent" performance but noted that the team is seeking to extract more consistent results from him.

Bloom indicated that with the recent introduction of Quinn Mathews, the team now has six pitchers they "like," creating a competitive situation for the five starting spots. Mathews has been effective in Triple-A, holding a 3.32 ERA over 20 starts and making a solid MLB debut on August 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Bloom expects Mathews to contribute significantly moving forward, suggesting his role will expand beyond spot starts.

The Cardinals are also developing several highly-touted young pitchers, such as Liam Doyle and Tanner Franklin, who are expected to contend for big league promotions in the near future, likely starting in 2027. However, the immediate concern is integrating Mathews into the rotation, especially if Liberatore's struggles persist. The team has a clear path to promote Mathews, and many believe this change should occur as soon as possible to address the growing questions surrounding the rotation's stability.