Cardinals’ Oli Marmol shares significant Steven Matz injury development.

The St. Louis Cardinals have been missing Steven Matz from their starting lineup since early May, but it seems his return is imminent. Manager Oli Marmol shared a significant update on Matz’s injury status, stating that the left-handed pitcher is set to throw a full-intensity bullpen session on Monday to gauge his recovery from a protruding disc in his back.

Depending on how Matz’s back responds after this session, the team will decide whether to send him on a Minor League rehab assignment. Matz has been grappling with a back injury, which can be delicate, so the Cardinals are proceeding cautiously with his rehabilitation.

Although Matz had been struggling before his injury, with a 1-2 record and a high 6.18 ERA in six starts, he had shown better form last year with a 3.86 ERA in 105 innings. The Cardinals are aiming to stabilize their rotation, which has posted a 4.31 ERA, ranking 19th in the Majors. With only Sonny Gray standing out with a 3.00 ERA, the team is eager to regain Matz’s experience and variety as a left-handed pitcher.

The absence of a left-hander in the rotation has been notable, and Matz’s potential return could address this gap. As the Cardinals seek to improve both their offensive and pitching performances, they face the challenge of salvaging a win in their upcoming series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday night.