St. Louis Cardinals. (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
The St. Louis Cardinals have had overall pitching concerns that should have been addressed closer this offseason.
Pitching depth was an issue in 2021 and it’s already posing as an issue that should have been better addressed this offseason by the St. Louis Cardinals.
While all three have had their struggles, the Cardinals have gotten good outings from Adam Wainwright, Miles Mikolas, and Steven Matz. Dakota Hudson is building back up to form.
The team is depending on Jordan Hicks as their fifth starter. He had some good pitches but ultimately got the loss due to a lack of offense combined with some out-of-the-ordinary defensive miscues.
According to MLB.com’s John Denton, the Cardinals placed Drew VerHagen on the 10-day injured list with a right hip impingement. He’s apparently been dealing with the pain for several weeks and will use the time for testing. Lefty pitcher Packy Naughton was recalled from AAA Memphis.
Andre Pallante, Genesis Cabrera, T.J. McFarland, and Giovanny Gallegos have proven to be good options out of the bullpen.
Nick Wittgren and Aaron Brooks definitely need some work in the minors to get stretched out so the Cardinals could make better use of them from the bullpen, or long relief with one of the starters.
Jack Flaherty and Alex Reyes remain on the injured list and while they are working to return, no timetable is available for when or how they would be available.
The Cardinals did well by picking up Matz, Corey Dickerson, and Albert Pujols. But it was by no means enough to get them through this long season. Yes, they have several prospects we should see at some point this season. The Cardinals, however, needed pitching and what they got was never going to be enough.
Let’s take a look at some of the pitchers the Cardinals could, and likely should, have taken a shot on a signing.