The St. Louis Cardinals’ starting rotation is still uncertain just two weeks before Opening Day, according to a Mar. 10 report. The team is considering several options for its pitching staff as it prepares for the upcoming season.
This uncertainty in the rotation is notable because the Cardinals have historically depended on strong starting pitching for their success. The current situation, however, may offer flexibility and opportunities for younger pitchers to prove themselves throughout the year.
Among those vying for spots are Matthew Liberatore, who could become the first left-handed Opening Day starter for the Cardinals since Donovan Osborne in 1999, and Dustin May, who has shown promise during spring training. Michael McGreevy and Richard Fitts are also being considered after contributing last season and showing improvement this spring. Other candidates include Kyle Leahy, Andre Pallante, Quinn Mathews, and Hunter Dobbins.
The team may experiment with different rotation formats during the season, including possibly using a six-man rotation. This approach reflects a willingness to adapt and find effective combinations as new pitchers emerge or return from injury.
Additional options such as Brycen Mautz, Gordon Graceffo, and Jurrangelo Cijntje could join the mix later in the year. The evolving nature of the rotation means that roles may change frequently as players compete for spots.
As the Cardinals finalize their roster ahead of Opening Day, fans can expect ongoing adjustments to the pitching staff throughout the season.
