St. Louis Cardinals: The starter puzzle; who fits where?

The St. Louis Cardinals have been crammed for room in the starting rotation lately, and as Alex Reyes beckons the door of a much anticipated return, how do certain starters fit into the equation?

I very recently read a report saying John Gant could potentially make another start for the St. Louis Cardinals. This coming, after a less-than-impressive start from him this week. Now Jack Flaherty, who pitched a gem in the middle of the week for the AAA team, is just sitting in the minors.

How is this justified? It absolutely infuriates me when a guy as great as Jack, is forced to sit all “willy-nilly” down in AAA. I get it the times he has been called up to the big leagues, they haven’t ended well. But my goodness! I guess more than anything, the timing isn’t right?

A call up this week wouldn’t make sense, as he wouldn’t have the appropriate amount of rest after his start. He then, would be forced to sit & ultimately clog a roster spot. For a temporary amount of time.

It sincerely pains me to see Luke Weaver struggle like he has as of late. With Alex Reyes expected to join then rotation by late May (May 28th as reported), who would be the “odd man out?” Yep, Luke Weaver. If this had been a conversation late last year, people would think the world was ending.

Related Story: Reyes logjam coming

Weaver was quite frankly lights out for the St. Louis Cardinals (if I recall correctly), at the end of last season. It makes sense that he would be replaced, given his recent performances. However, it just sucks! Plain & simple.

As for Adam Wainwright, I am excited to see him back. I truly hope he can finish strong.

I understand the reasoning as to why Adam Wainwright wouldn’t be the one replaced by Reyes. He’s in his last season. Now it’s the Cardinals turn to really see what he can do: how he can handle himself after coming off the somewhat minor injury. Again, I wish him the best.

So where does Flaherty fit into the equation?

It would be nearly unjust to call him up, & then throw him into the BP. Jack has too much potential to cap him off & limit him to just a few innings of work. Again, this is an issue.

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Week’s down the road if Wainwright is struggling, we would have to think Flaherty replaces him. Basically however, any injury to the starting rotation, & more than likely Flaherty gets the call.

So here’s the million dollar question: where does Weaver go? The Bullpen? AAA demotion? It’s unknown.

Finally, let’s observe the fact that the issues we are being presented with, are actually positive. We simply have too much great talent, & are unsure as to where to place them. Many teams would love to be in the position that the St. Louis Cardinals are. It’s just another subject that we Cards Fans take for granted.

Miles Mikolas pitched Thursday night. Miles has been extremely effective and efficient early on for the Red Birds. He has had the ability to throw minimal pitches per inning, and has gone fairly deep into ballgames. Here’s the deal: if he can get run supports for the reminder of the season, the Cardinals will win the majority of the time.

Next: Carson Kelly Returns from Minor League "Exile"

It will be very interesting to see how things pan out, pertaining to these subjects. One thing is for certain: life will go on, and STL will bask in the good times that is Cardinals Baseball.