Why Cardinals Aren't Giving Up on Matthew Liberatore Just Yet

Will the St. Louis Cardinals make a change in the starting rotation involving Matthew Liberatore?

Aug 2, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Over the course of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, the St. Louis Cardinals have shown that they aren't afraid to make a change when a guy is struggling in the big leagues.

Both Victor Scott II and Nolan Gorman were optioned down to Triple-A earlier in the season after struggling offensively in the majors. Neither has been promoted back up to the big leagues. Also, when the season kicked off, Pedro Pagés was a key cog behind the plate for the Cardinals, but his role was trimmed after struggling offensively as Jimmy Crooks was promoted to the big leagues.

Arguably, the next change should be in the starting rotation. Matthew Liberatore has a 5.15 ERA on the season in 23 starts. Since May 13, Liberatore has a 5.78 ERA in 71 2/3 innings pitched. It just hasn't been his season, but the Cardinals haven't made a change.

Why is that the case? Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom explained while joining 101 ESPN St. Louis.

Why Matthew Liberatore Is Still In St. Louis' Rotation

Aug 8, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) throws against the Colorado Rockies during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"Obviously, it's been inconsistent," Bloom said. "There have been some good things in there that we're trying to get out of him on a more consistent basis, but I do think it's a fair question. ...

"I think right now, the way that we look at it with Quinn's introduction at the beginning of the month, we're in a point where we really want to be. We have six we like and granted there are only five spots, things work themselves out where that sixth guy gets to jump in there a decent amount. I think we'll see that from Quinn. ... It's never something where we're on cruise control with it. Never something where we're just content."

#BKandFerrario asked Chaim Bloom why the #STLCards have handled Matthew Liberatore's spot in the rotation differently than they did with Pedro Pages, Victor Scott II or Nolan Gorman's spots in the field. pic.twitter.com/HhmriUXZ4r

— 101 ESPN St. Louis (@101espn) August 11, 2026

If the Cardinals were to make a change in the rotation, the most obvious way to do so would be by promoting Quinn Mathews to the big leagues for the foreseeable future, rather than for a spot start every now and then.

Mathews has a 3.32 ERA down in Triple-A this season in 20 starts and looked solid in his MLB debut across five innings against the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 1.

Bloom has made it clear that he expects Mathews to help the club from here on out. We're going to see him again. Arguably, it would be for the best if he is promoted as soon as possible. These questions in the rotation are just going to get louder. The Cardinals are loaded with young starters towards the top of the rotation. Guys like Liam Doyle (No. 2 prospect), Tanner Franklin (No. 5), Brandon Clarke (No. 7), and Jurrangelo Cijntje (No. 9) are going to make cases for big league promotions at some point, although likely in 2027, instead of 2026.

Right now, the Cardinals have a clear way to get Mathews into the rotation. If Liberatore continues to struggle, the Cardinals should make the change.