Joe Kelly Named Fifth Starter

Mar 23, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher J. Kelly (58) receives a standing ovation after being taken out of the game against the Houston Astros at Roger Dean Stadium. Image Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It was only a matter of time. While most fans thought Carlos Martinez had a legit shot at cracking in to the starting rotation on the strength of his ultra-strong spring I have long thought, and felt strongly, that Joe Kelly was going to be named the fifth starter following Jaime Garcia‘s injury issues which opened up a rotation spot.

Today, Manager Mike Matheny agreed and decided to let the rest of baseball know about it. A pair of tweets went out from KMOX’s Tom Ackerman addressing the situation just a few moments ago.

Obviously, that’s the big news, but here’s the follow-up tweet that Ackerman sent out moments later.

Perhaps Martinez has earned it, and he should be the fifth starter in due time, but the fact remains that Jason Motte just isn’t 100% healthy yet. He has been progressing recently, but until he proves ready to fully assume the responsibility of being the eighth inning bridge to Trevor Rosenthal, Martinez is simply too valuable in the set-up role. That’s why I still feel like this is the right move.

When the bullpen roles are clearly defined, good things happen and wins pile up. When they aren’t, trouble abounds.

As the season inches closer, things are falling in to place, and with today’s announcement we are one step closer to the return of the Boys of Summer.