photo: Steven Matz (Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports)
On Monday, August 14, St. Louis Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak explained that left-hander Steven Matz has been placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to Sunday, August 13.
Matz, who had experienced a strong turnaround in the second half after having been banished to the bullpen earlier in the season, suffered a lat strain in his most recent start on Saturday, August 12.
The 32-year-old will be completely shut down for at least 15 days and may not throw at all for at least three weeks. With six-to-seven weeks remaining in a disappointing non-playoff season for the Cardinals, Matz’ 2023 return seems in question.
However, Matz is being counted upon for the 2024 rotation, which has very few certainties at this time. Mozeliak also mentioned plans to add three starting pitchers in the upcoming off-season.
Matz’ immediate replacement in the rotation is another left-hander, Zack Thompson, who is already on the 26-man roster and did good work recently backing up struggling Adam Wainwright. The latter will receive at least one more start while everyone decides what to do with/for the 42-year-old, who is retiring following the season.
Matz’ replacement on St. Louis’ 26-man active roster should be announced on Tuesday.
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