Cardinals' Matthew Liberatore Faces Challenges with Pitching Velocity

What's Happening?

Matthew Liberatore of the St. Louis Cardinals is experiencing difficulties in maintaining his pitching velocity during games. In a recent match against the Rockies, Liberatore's velocity dropped significantly in the later innings, affecting his performance. This issue has been recurring, with Liberatore struggling to sustain his speed throughout his starts. The Cardinals are considering adjustments to his role, potentially pairing him with another pitcher to manage his workload.

Why It's Important?

Liberatore's velocity challenges are crucial as they impact his effectiveness as a starting pitcher for the Cardinals. Maintaining consistent velocity is essential for a pitcher's success and can influence game outcomes. The team's decision to possibly alter his role reflects the importance of adapting strategies to optimize player performance. This situation highlights the challenges faced by pitchers in their first full season at the major league level.

What's Next?

Liberatore is scheduled to start again in Miami, where his performance will be closely watched. If he continues to struggle, the Cardinals may implement changes to his pitching role, such as a piggyback strategy with Kyle Leahy. The team's management will evaluate his progress and make decisions to support his development and the team's overall performance.