Potential pitcher key to Cardinals' success faces possibility of being removed from the lineup in late season
Facing a Dilemma: Should the Cardinals Limit Liberatore's Innings?
Matthew Liberatore's performance for the St. Louis Cardinals this season has been impressive, earning him a spot in the rotation. With a 3.07 ERA in seven starts, it seems the Cardinals made the right call. However, his success could also lead to concerns about fatigue and potential injuries.
Liberatore's limited workload during the past two seasons—only pitching 147.2 innings—makes his current performance all the more remarkable. But it also raises questions about his endurance as he already has 41 innings under his belt after a month and a half of the season. This might force the Cardinals to consider an innings limit for him as the season continues.
A Tale of Two Pitchers
A quick glance at the journey of former Cardinals pitcher Jordan Hicks offers a stark warning. Hicks excelled as a reliever before moving to the starting role for the San Francisco Giants. He started the season superbly, boasting a 2.70 ERA in his first 12 starts. However, his performance rapidly declined as the innings piled up. Hicks ended up holding a 6.37 ERA in his remaining eight starts, eventually being sent back to the bullpen for the rest of the season.
While Liberatore and Hicks are not exact comparisons, the lesson is clear: pitchers who transition suddenly from relief to starting roles can experience a sharp increase in innings, leading to potential fatigue and performance issues.
Navigating the Season Ahead
John Mozeliak, the President of Baseball Operations, appears to be aiming for one more year of contention with the team. Given their current standing at .500 as of May 9, the temptation to acquire another starter at the trade deadline to replace Liberatore may prove difficult to resist.
However, a smarter choice could be to move pitchers like Steven Matz or Michael McGreevy to the starting rotation instead. This would allow the Cardinals to maintain their pitching depth without the need to make costly trades.
Preventing Future Mishaps
As promising as Liberatore's career looks, the Cardinals must prioritize his health. If Liberatore continues to pitch well, the decision to restrict his innings will undeniably be a tough pill to swallow. But with Liberatore set to play a significant role in the Cardinals' future, it's a discussion that the team can't afford to ignore. Maintaining his effectiveness and ensuring his long-term availability will be crucial for the Cardinals' success in the years to come.
Managing the Risks
To protect Liberatore, the Cardinals could implement an innings limit, adjust the rotation to give him more rest between starts, or integrate him into the bullpen for certain stretches. Regular monitoring of his performance and physical condition will also be essential to make informed decisions about his role in the rotation.
Sources:[1] BaseballProspectus.com[2] StLToday.com[3] Fangraphs.com
The possibility of implementing an innings limit for Matthew Liberatore becomes increasingly relevant, as his impressive performance this season adds to concerns about his endurance, given his limited workload in the past.
Maintaining a balance between keeping Liberatore effective and preventing potential injuries could prove challenging, especially if his success continues. Strategies like adjusting the rotation, integrating him into the bullpen, or implementing an innings limit may be crucial in managing the risks to his health and the Cardinals' long-term success.
