St. Louis Cardinals offense lights up in sweep of Pirates

The Bad

The injury bug made an appearance this weekend as well.

Dylan Carlson was removed from Saturday’s game due to a tight left hamstring.

This is concerning as he has been heating up recently. Brendan Donovan played in right field on Sunday, with Harrison Bader returning to center and Corey Dickerson playing in left.

Steven Matz was pulled from his start Sunday after four pitches that were down in velocity. He was holding his harm when he alerted he couldn’t continue.

Thankfully, Angel Rondon was called up prior to the game and available. He had been with the team’s taxi squad. Rondon earned his first win for the Cardinals after throwing five inning, giving up a hit and three walks. He did strike out four and induced nine swings and misses. This was his first major league win. T.J. McFarland earned his second hold of the season, pitching three innings, giving up three hits and a walk. He did strike out two and induced six swings and misses.

Carlson and Matz statuses are currently unknown. Tyler O’Neill is not elible to return from the injured list, so don’t be surprised to see Lars Nootbaar possibly return to St. Louis.

While the Cardinals optioned Matthew Liberatore back to Memphis on Sunday for Rondon, the Cardinals may be able to bring him back up before Matz next scheduled start. Rondon is expected to stick around to help with the bullpen.