photo: Matthew Liberatore (Memphis Redbirds)
The St. Louis Cardinals are moving to a six-man starting pitching rotation immediately, with prospect Matthew Liberatore called up from Memphis to start Wednesday.
Following Tuesday night’s 3-2 home loss to Milwaukee, St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol disclosed a plan to move to a six-man starting pitching rotation immediately.
Left-handed prospect Matthew Liberatore is being promoted from Triple-A Memphis and will start for St. Louis in the Brewers series finale on Wednesday evening. The timing is likely not an accident, as Milwaukee hits right-handers better than lefties. Previously scheduled starter Adam Wainwright will be pushed back a day, taking the ball on Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Liberatore, 23, is the reigning International League Pitcher of the Month and has a 3.13 ERA over eight starts for Memphis in 2023. The Arizona native has 56 strikeouts against 17 walks in 46 innings with reports of increased, upper 90’s velocity this season. His regular turn with the Triple-A Redbirds was to be Thursday afternoon.
This will be Liberatore’s second shot at the St. Louis rotation. In 2022, he made nine appearances including seven starts, logging a 5.97 ERA in 34 2/3 innings.
The corresponding roster move will be announced during the day on Wednesday. The Cardinals are already at their 13-maximum pitcher count. Long reliever James Naile is a prime candidate to be returned to Triple-A.
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