What's Happening?
Matthew Liberatore, a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, is experiencing difficulties in maintaining his pitch velocity during games. According to a report by Katie Woo of The Athletic, Liberatore's four-seam fastball dropped to 90-91 mph in the fifth inning during a recent game against the Colorado Rockies. Despite starting strong by retiring the first nine batters, his velocity began to decline in the fourth inning, leading to a two-run homer by Hunter Goodman. Liberatore was pulled from the game after allowing the first two runners to reach base in the fifth inning. This pattern has been consistent since July, with Liberatore posting a 5.47 ERA and a 12:11 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 24.2 innings. The Cardinals are considering changes to his role, potentially pairing him with Kyle Leahy in future games.
Why It's Important?
Liberatore's struggles with maintaining velocity are significant for the Cardinals as they assess their pitching roster. His performance impacts the team's overall strategy and effectiveness in games, especially as he is in his first full season as a starter at the major-league level. If Liberatore continues to face challenges, it could lead to adjustments in the Cardinals' pitching lineup, affecting their competitiveness in the league. The team's decision on how to manage Liberatore's role could influence their success in upcoming games and their standing in the league.
What's Next?
Liberatore is scheduled to make his next start on Monday in Miami. If he continues to struggle with velocity, the Cardinals may implement a piggyback strategy, pairing him with another pitcher like Kyle Leahy to manage innings and maintain game performance. This decision will be crucial in determining Liberatore's future role and the team's approach to handling pitching challenges.
