St. Louis Cardinals: The cavalry is here and is on the way too

The St. Louis Cardinals have depth in the pitching ranks and this allows for saving cavalry to arrive just when needed.

The St. Louis Cardinals have become the poster child for the disabled list this season. With the likes of Adam Wainwright and Carlos Martinez sitting comfortably (or uncomfortably as it might be) on the DL, the Cardinals desperately need saving in the pitching ranks.

Worry not, St. Louis Cardinals fans, as the cavalry is both here and on its way.

First, Jack Flaherty filling in is precisely what was needed. Second, Flaherty should go NOWHERE! Third, let’s just be honest that Flaherty should have been filling a role in the starting rotation from day one of this season.

In his MLB appearances this season, Jack carries a 2.87 ERA through 15.2 innings (as of the time of this writing; Flaherty is the starting pitcher today- Sunday, May 20). Additionally, he has recorded 14 Ks with a 1.340 WHIP.

Flaherty filled in for Wainwright early in the season and is now occupying the spot reserved for Carlos Martinez. For comparison sake, Wainwright has an ERA of 4.00 through 18 innings with 15 Ks and a 1.883 WHIP. Continuing the comparison, Martinez has an ERA of 1.62 through 50 innings with 47 Ks and a 1.080 WHIP.

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Looking at these numbers, it is easy to argue that Martinez is the ace and should lead the rotation. Likewise, it is easy to argue that Flaherty should replace Wainwright (should Waino decide to return after a stint on the 60-day DL).

So with the cavalry present in the form of Jack Flaherty, the St. Louis Cardinals should also find solace in the fact that Alex Reyes is quickly returning (he is the cavalry that is coming).

Reyes, who hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2016, has now made two rehab starts. He has been absolutely dominant in these starts. In total, he has appeared in 16 rehab innings in which he has surrendered only six hits, six walks, recorded 31 strikeouts while allowing zero runs (zero earned).

During today’s broadcast (Sunday, May 20), video clips were shown of Reyes’ most recent rehab start. Let me just say, “D@mn!” If you missed these clips, here’s one of Reyes’ 17th K in his second rehab start:

Wow, right? The clips that FS-Midwest showed highlighted an off-the-table curveball that looks MLB-ready right now. And he cannot come back fast enough. That said, he isn’t eligible to return to the St. Louis Cardinals until the end of May.

One list shows that Reyes is likely to appear on May 29 facing the Brewers. Woulnd’t that be great?! In either case, fans of the St. Louis Cardinals should be proud to carry an active cavalry member currently with another on his way.

A good problem to have, the St. Louis Cardinals might soon need to decide who stays and who goes in the rotation once Reyes returns. I personally will take that any day!

Next: Cha-cha-changes

Are you excited for Reyes’ return? I am. Now let’s hope that the offense can awaken and match the prowess of the soon-to-be strengthened rotation.