Cardinals Place Left-Hander Steven Matz on 15-Day Injured List Due to Lower Back Strain; Kyle Leahy Recalled in Corresponding Move
The Cardinals have announced that left-hander Steven Matz has been sidelined with a lower back strain, leading to his placement on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to May 1. In response to Matz’s injury, right-hander Kyle Leahy has been recalled to fill the roster spot.
Matz, who joined the Cardinals on a four-year, $44 million deal ahead of the 2022 season, has faced challenges in delivering the expected returns on the investment.
Throughout 2022, he grappled with shoulder issues, limiting his performance to 48 innings with a 5.25 earned run average. Despite a slow start last year, Matz found his stride and reclaimed a spot in the rotation, ending the season with a respectable 3.86 ERA.
Entering the 2024 season, hopes were high that Matz would build on his strong finish from the previous year. While he showed promise initially, allowing just three earned runs over his first three starts, his recent outings have seen a downturn. In his last three starts, Matz surrendered 16 earned runs, resulting in a swollen 6.18 ERA for the year.
Reports from Katie Woo of The Athletic indicate that Matz’s back issues emerged after his April 23 outing. Despite receiving additional rest due to an off-day on April 25 and a rainout on April 29, Matz’s condition did not improve.
During his last start on April 30, his diminished velocity and struggles on the mound prompted his early exit after conceding four earned runs in 3 1/3 innings. Following an MRI, the decision was made to place Matz on the injured list for at least a couple of weeks.
With Matz sidelined, the Cardinals’ starting rotation comprises Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, and Miles Mikolas, though they will need to fill a fifth spot in the rotation soon, especially given the team’s upcoming stretch of 13 consecutive games before their next off-day.
Several options are under consideration, including Matthew Liberatore, who has bullpen experience but lacks sufficient stamina, and Zach Thompson, who recently transitioned to the minors after a stint in the big league rotation.
Other prospects like Sem Robberse and Adam Kloffenstein are also being evaluated, with Robberse boasting a promising 1.77 ERA in Triple-A. However, decisions on their call-ups may hinge on their recent performances and availability.
