The St. Louis Cardinals have struggled in recent weeks, according to Yahoo Sports.** As the team’s starting rotation faces increasing challenges, concerns mount regarding the effectiveness of its remaining pitchers in St. Louis on May 27, 2026.
What happened
The Cardinals exceeded expectations during the season’s early weeks but have since fallen back to their baseline performance. Minimal support for a makeshift rotation has been a contributing factor to the struggles, with the rotation ranked 27th in the league by FanGraphs fWAR. “Outside of Dustin May, the rest of the staff has been passable,” the report noted.[2]
As the Cardinals navigate a challenging season, they are likely to delay a rotation overhaul despite the pressing need for change. “Pitchers like Kyle Leahy and Matthew Liberatore may have a leash with no end in sight while the team looks to stabilize amid the dog days of summer,” the report stated.
Why it matters
The Cardinals find themselves in a competitive season but are hamstrung by a struggling starting rotation. With recent performances failing to meet expectations, the team’s potential for success could hinge on finding young pitching talent to integrate into the major leagues. The current roster may be insufficient to make a playoff run without the imminent addition of new players.
Background
On May 20, 2026, the Cardinals were still above .500, buoyed by a strong offense, but pitching issues quickly dampened optimism. Previous expectations placed on the rotation have not been met, leading to calls for change among fans and analysts alike. The need for pitcher development has become more critical as injuries and performance issues have taken their toll.[3]
What’s next
The Cardinals will closely evaluate their pitching staff over the next few weeks, particularly regarding potential trades. Key decisions are anticipated around the upcoming trade deadline in May, which may open opportunities for younger pitchers like Brycen Mautz and Quinn Mathews to showcase their skills at the major league level.[1]
