There’s no denying that we’ll know a lot more about the St. Louis Cardinals by the time this week is complete. 5 games over the next 4 days will be played at Busch Stadium against the NL Central division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. The Cardinals have momentum, but on paper the next 4 days look difficult for St. Louis.
Let’s start with the pitching matchups which feature some questions for how St. Louis will lineup the rotation:
Monday, July 6 – Dustin May – 5-6, 4.80 ERA, 78 SO vs Shane Drohan – 3-2,
3.12 ERA, 59 SO
Tuesday, July 7 (day game) – Cardinals starter unannounced vs Jacob Misiorowski – 9-4, 1.47 ERA, 156 SO
Tuesday, July 7 (night game) Starters unannounced for both teams
Wednesday, July 8 – Cardinals starter unannounced vs Kyle Harrison – 8-1, 2.82 ERA, 99 SO
Thursday, July 9 – Starters unannounced for both teams
Monday night’s starter Shane Drohan is 1-1 in his last 7 games. His 3 most recent starts have been no decisions. In his last start, Shane threw 5 2/3 innings on July 1 against the Reds giving up 2 runs on 6 hits with 7 strikeouts and 1 walk. What can I saw about Tuesday’s starter Jacob Misiorowski that you don’t already know? He’s 5-2 in his last 7 games including that infamous 105.5 mph record-breaking fastball. His most recent 3 games are interesting, though, as he’s lost 2 of them, but those were instances of lack of run support. Jacob’s last start on July 2 against the Reds was a loss, but he struck out 10 and only gave up 1 earned run. Wednesday’s starter, Kyle Harrison, is having a great season as he’s 8-1 with just a 2.82 ERA. The Milwaukee Brewers currently lead the league in team ERA.
The Brewers are not without big injury issues as Brandon Woodruff exited the team’s loss on the 4th of July in the 4th inning and was reportedly headed to the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. The Brewers injured list is full of pitchers.
Entering Monday night’s game, the Milwaukee Brewers lead the St. Louis Cardinals by 7 games. They have won 6 of their last 10 while the Cardinals are 5-5 over the same period. The Brewers team leaders are as follows:
Batting Average – William Contreras – .295
Home Runs – Jake Bauers – 15
RBI’s – Jake Bauers – 52
OPB – Jake Bauers – .365
Hits – William Contreras – 95
How successful or not the St. Louis Cardinals are during the upcoming homestand vs the Brewers and Braves prior to the All-Star break will likely play a large role in whether they are buyers, sellers or a mixture of both at the trade deadline. Successful management of the pitching staff will be crucial over this 5-game/4-day series. A strong start Monday night by Dustin May will be key.
