Cardinals Face Challenges Against Dodgers Amid Rotation Issues

ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals are struggling as June begins, showing signs of fatigue after a strong May. The team has lost three of its first four games this month, including two of three against the Texas Rangers and two of three against the Kansas City Royals, leading to uncertainty going into their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Manager Oli Marmol acknowledged the importance of mental toughness as the team prepares to face the defending World Series champions. The Dodgers lineup features heavy hitters like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts, putting added pressure on the Cardinals’ rotation.

Since May, starting pitcher Sonny Gray has been the only constant for the Cardinals. The rest of the rotation has been inconsistent, with Miles Mikolas and Andre Pallante struggling, and Matthew Liberatore leaving his last game due to what was described as “fatigue-related issues.” While the team has not reported any severe injuries, concerns about Liberatore’s arm endurance have surfaced.

The Cardinals are currently positioned just a half-game behind the third Wild Card spot, but their upcoming schedule features tough opponents, including the Blue Jays and the red-hot Brewers. The team needs to rally quickly to stay competitive in the National League Central.

Despite recent setbacks, the Cardinals have demonstrated their capability, having pulled off wins against strong teams like the Phillies and Astros earlier in the season. The offense rebounded to tie the game against the Royals after being down by four runs, showing that they can compete in challenging situations.

As for Liberatore, he expressed optimism following his recent struggles, attributing them to mechanical issues rather than physical problems. “I just got out of sync,” he said, indicating a belief that he can quickly return to form. Coaches will focus on refining his mechanics in preparation for his next start.

The Cardinals have several options moving forward, including utilizing a six-man rotation or placing Liberatore on the injured list for extra rest as they navigate a busy June schedule. Whatever strategies they employ, the focus remains on bouncing back against the formidable Dodgers this weekend.