Cardinals Suddenly Lose Andre Pallante; Next Steps for Rotation

The St. Louis Cardinals aren't going to have a key piece for at least two weeks.

Aug 17, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Andre Pallante (53) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The St. Louis Cardinals aren't going to be at full strength in the starting rotation for the next two weeks, at least.

St. Louis announced on X that Andre Pallante has been placed on the 15-day Injured List due to right elbow inflammation. In Pallante's place, the Cardinals promoted Ryan Fernandez to the big leagues.

"RHP Ryan Fernandez has been recalled from Memphis (AAA)," the Cardinals announced. "RHP Andre Pallante has been placed on the 15-day IL (right elbow inflammation), retroactive to August 18."

RHP Ryan Fernandez has been recalled from Memphis (AAA).

RHP Andre Pallante has been placed on the 15-day IL (right elbow inflammation), retroactive to August 18. pic.twitter.com/uSNLK2upgn

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) August 21, 2026

The Cardinals' Rotation Isn't At Full Strength

Aug 17, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Andre Pallante (53) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On the bright side, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the team is expecting Pallante to have a minimum stay on the Injured List and that there isn't any structural damage. In Pallante's place, Quinn Mathews will make his third career start in the majors on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Any time you hear about a starter dealing with an elbow issue, there's at least a bit of concern. Even if the Cardinals currently only expect Pallante to miss the minimum time on the Injured List, it's still something to watch. If the Cardinals want to make a run this season, Pallante is someone they cannot afford to lose for an extended period. The righty has a 3.57 ERA and 2.2 wins above replacement in 136 innings pitched. In comparison, Pallante had a 5.31 ERA in 31 starts last year. What a difference a year makes.

Mathews getting his third shot in the majors is positive, at least. He has a 3.00 ERA across his first two career big league starts. The lefty has allowed three earned runs in nine innings of work. Again, seeing Mathews in the majors is great. But losing Pallante for any time isn't ideal. This is especially the case because Kyle Leahy's workload is expected to be monitored closely from here on out as well because he has tossed a career high in innings already.

One thing that the Cardinals have done well over the last few seasons is manage the workload of their starters and keep them upright and on the mound. Right now, the Cardinals are 66-63 on the season and just 2 1/2 games out of a playoff spot. The Cardinals are in striking distance. Unfortunately, the rotation isn't at full strength. Right now, all eyes are on Pallante. Hopefully, he does end up just missing the two weeks.