The St. Louis Cardinals have experienced a mixed start to the 2024 season, currently occupying fourth place in the National League Central with a disappointing 14-16 record. Despite possessing a roster filled with talent, they find themselves trailing the first-place Milwaukee Brewers by 4 1/2 games.
The primary cause of the Cardinals’ struggles this season has been their unexpectedly sluggish offense, compounded by other issues within the team. While the starting rotation has shown improvement compared to last year, there is still room for development.
One player facing recent challenges is starting pitcher Steven Matz. Initially, Matz showcased a strong performance, allowing only three earned runs in his first three starts. However, in his last three starts, he has surrendered 16 earned runs.
Reports suggest that Matz is currently grappling with lower-back soreness, which may be affecting his performance. According to The Athletic’s Katie Woo, Matz attempted to pitch through the discomfort, hoping that an extra day’s rest due to a rainout would suffice. However, his velocity dropped, leading to a quick exit from his recent outing.
The Cardinals have described Matz’s condition as lower-back soreness, with further evaluation scheduled to provide clarity on the extent of his injury. Matz has been managing the issue for several days, originating from tightness experienced during a previous week’s run.
As Matz undergoes evaluation and treatment, the Cardinals are hopeful that he will swiftly recover and regain his form on the mound.
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