3:56PM: Matz has a torn MCL in his left knee, MLB.com’s John Denton stories (via Twitter). Primarily based related accidents to different gamers, this may probably imply a minimum of a 4-6 week absence for Matz, although it isn’t but identified if he’ll require surgical procedure.
3:38PM: The Cardinals introduced some roster strikes in the present day, one with regard to in the present day’s recreation and three others prematurely of their upcoming two-game sequence in Toronto. Most instantly, left-hander Steven Matz was positioned on the 15-day injured listing as a result of a left knee sprain, and righty James Naile was referred to as up from Triple-A Memphis.
Earlier than Tuesday’s recreation in opposition to the Blue Jays, the Playing cards will place Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Austin Romine on the restricted listing. The trio aren’t vaccinated, and thus turn into the newest gamers ineligible to cross the border as a result of Canadian federal vaccine mandates. Goldschmidt, Arenado, and Romine will forfeit two video games’ price of wage for the missed time. Catcher Ivan Herrera, utilityman Cory Spangenberg, and outfielder Conner Capel are anticipated to be added to the roster as replacements.
Most groups touring to Toronto this season have needed to work round a minimum of a few vaccine-related absences, with the Royals (who had 10 players on their restricted listing) representing the acute finish of the dimensions. Whereas St. Louis is lacking “solely” three gamers, nevertheless, dropping superstars like Goldschmidt and Arenado for even two video games definitely isn’t a great state of affairs. Dropping Romine additionally thins out a catching depth chart that’s nonetheless lacking the injured Yadier Molina.
Johan Oviedo’s standing for the Blue Jays sequence can also be in query, because the Playing cards reliever and Cuba native has an expired passport. Supervisor Oliver Marmol instructed reporters (together with MLB.com’s John Denton) that Oviedo may nonetheless have the ability to make it if he is ready to receive a particular momentary waiver from the Canadian consulate in Miami.
Whereas Matz wouldn’t have pitched within the sequence since he simply began yesterday, he’ll additionally miss an opportunity to return to Toronto after pitching for the Jays in 2021. Matz was solely activated from the 15-day IL earlier this week, after lacking two months as a result of a shoulder impingement. Sadly, the southpaw then harm his knee in his very first begin again, as Matz took a clumsy step whereas attempting to area a grounder within the sixth inning of Saturday’s 6-3 victory over the Reds. Matz nonetheless earned the win, permitting two runs on three hits and a stroll in his 5 1/3 innings of labor whereas putting out seven.
It was a stable outing in what has been an in any other case powerful season for Matz, between his earlier harm and his inconsistent work over his first 9 outings. Even with Saturday’s recreation factored in, Matz nonetheless has a 5.70 ERA over 42 2/3 innings in his first season in a Cardinals uniform. Nevertheless, a 3.13 SIERA and robust strikeout and stroll charges point out that Matz has additionally been fairly unfortunate, as he isn’t getting a lot luck on the BABIP (.336) and strand price (66.2%) fronts.
Saturday’s begin was a step in the best route, and but it is going to now be a while earlier than Matz can observe up on that efficiency. The lefty will endure extra exams and imaging, and a clearer timeline might quickly be identified about when Matz may have the ability to get again on a mound.
The Cardinals had been already rumored to be wanting into rotation assist on the deadline, so Matz’s IL standing will probably solely deepen the staff’s wants. Within the quick time period, nevertheless, St. Louis solely has 5 video games over the following eight days, so all of those off-days can permit the Playing cards to get by with lower than 5 starters. Dakota Hudson is tentatively slated to be activated from his personal 15-day IL stint subsequent weekend, after hitting the IL on July 15 as a result of a neck pressure.
