5 starting pitching targets for St. Louis Cardinals after recent injuries

Zack Greinke #21 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Atlanta Braves in Game Four of the World Series at Truist Park on October 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Zack Greinke #21 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Atlanta Braves in Game Four of the World Series at Truist Park on October 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
2 of 5
Zack Greinke #21 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Atlanta Braves in Game Four of the World Series at Truist Park on October 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Zack Greinke #21 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Atlanta Braves in Game Four of the World Series at Truist Park on October 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Zack Greinke 

If the Cardinals are looking for a guy on a one year deal who brings both experience and stability to the rotation, Zach Greinke would be an excellent addition.

In 2021, Greinke went 11-6 with an ERA of 4.16 in 171 innings. Just as recent as 2019, the 38 year old right hander went 18-5 with an ERA sitting at 2.93. Greinke is not the same pitcher he was during his prime, but he still knows how to get outs, and has pitched at least 160 innings a year since 2008.

The Cardinals need a guy that they can rely on for innings, and can keep them in games. With the kind of offense they have, even a guy with an ERA of 4.00 that can be relied on every 5th day would be a solid addition to the club. With a guy like Greinke though, it is not foolish to think playing in front of the Cardinals defense would allow him to put up even better numbers than he had in Houston just a year ago.

Schedule