Flaherty is already showing signs that he might not be capable of becoming the dependable #1 that few believe he can be in ’23. His present status is probably making Card fans even more nervous about penciling him as a starter during the season. Its possible that he’ll lose his spot if he goes on the IL early on and if one of the starters-in-waiting can show some solid promise.
Wheels might be beginning to turn in the upstairs office. I seriously believe that the team won’t be heading North with the five pitchers expected to be in the rotation. Wainwright and Mikolas will be away for some time so it might be more difficult to access their ramping up development.