MATTHEW LIBERATORE NEWS

Cardinals mailbag, Part II: Matthew Liberatore's role, Steven Matz's future and more With the Cardinals showing signs of life, what are the chances they trade for a top-end starter? Our crystal ball is in full swing.

MAY 26, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Starting Friday Liberatore will start Friday against the Guardians, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Impact Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Liberatore would get another start during the team's weekend series, and now the 23-year-old lefty has a date set in place. Liberatore put on a good performance (5.0 IP, 0 ER, 6 K) and earned a win during his first start against Milwaukee, but he was later hit around in a relief appearance versus the Dodgers. If he's able to hold his own against Cleveland, there's a solid chance Liberatore remains in the Cards' rotation.

MAY 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will get weekend start Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Wednesday that Liberatore will start one of the team's three games this weekend in Cleveland, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Impact There was talk of Liberatore being used out of the bullpen Tuesday night against the Reds, but that wasn't required as St. Louis rolled to an 8-5 victory. The 23-year-old left-hander tallied six strikeouts over five scoreless innings in his first major-league start of the season last Wednesday against the Brewers before struggling in a relief appearance Sunday versus the Dodgers. He should be an attractive fantasy option as he returns to the Cardinals' rotation against a light-hitting Guardians team.

MAY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Available in relief Tuesday Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Liberatore will be available in relief Tuesday night at Cincinnati, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Impact It's a bit odd that the Cardinals haven't simply installed Liberatore into their regular rotation mix given how sharp he looked in his first MLB start of the season last week against the Brewers, but they are short on bullpen options following Monday's extra-innings loss to the Reds. Liberatore appeared in relief Sunday versus the Dodgers and gave up two earned runs over one inning of work. If he's not used again out of the bullpen, he should get a starting nod later this week in Cleveland.

MAY 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Temporarily in bullpen Liberatore will be available out of the bullpen against the Dodgers on Sunday but is still expected to start sometime next week if he isn't needed in relief, John Denton of MLB.com...

Impact Clear messaging hasn't been a strength of the Cardinals organization this season, and LIberatore's situation is the latest case. He impressed in the minors and well as in his season debut for the big-league club Wednesday the Brewers, though it wasn't initially clear that he was up for anything more than a spot start. The Cardinals would have to go to a six-man rotation to fit him in permanently, and while manager Oliver Marmol confirmed Thursday that Liberatore would indeed remain a starter, that now seems to be less than a lock. Even if Liberatore does wind up pitching in relief Sunday and temporarily taking himself out of rotation consideration, however, he shouldn't have to wait too long to make his next start, as the Cardinals are seemingly impressed by his performance this season.

MAY 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

STL Cardinals Rumors: Matthew Liberatore plan, Mozeliak contradicting, Tyler O'Neill trade buzz STL Cardinals Rumors: John Mozeliak contradicts himself about 2023 offseason One of the big questions about the St. Louis Cardinals offseaso...

MAY 18, 2023 • FANSIDED.COM

Will remain in MLB rotation Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol confirmed Thursday that Liberatore will remain in the rotation, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Impact Liberatore was terrific in his season debut with the Cardinals on Wednesday, tallying six strikeouts over five scoreless innings in what was a 3-0 win over the Brewers. The schedule, as currently sorted, calls for him to make his next start Tuesday in a favorable matchup versus the Reds. The 23-year-old left-hander seems like a must-have in fantasy when you also factor in how well he was pitching at Triple-A Memphis prior to his promotion.

MAY 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Shines in 2023 debut Liberatore (1-0) earned the win over Milwaukee on Wednesday, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out six batters over five scoreless innings.

Impact Liberatore was called-up prior to the contest and given the difficult task of facing off against 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes. The lefty Liberatore was up to the challenge, blanking the Brewers over five frames while fanning six batters. His control was less than ideal as he issued three free passes, but he was able to escape every jam he got into. Given this strong outing, it's likely that Liberatore will get at least another turn in the rotation, which tentatively lines up to come on the road against the Reds.

MAY 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Bigger, stronger Liberatore dazzles in season debut ST. LOUIS -- Each time he forced down that second breakfast, piled more food onto his plate for dinner or downed another protein shake befor...

MAY 18, 2023 • MLB.COM

Liberatore works 5 shutout innings in season debut, Cardinals down Brewers 3-0

Matthew Liberatore tossed five shutout innings in his season debut and Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 3-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers

MAY 18, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Recalled for start Wednesday St. Louis recalled Liberatore from Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday.

Impact As announced late Tuesday, Liberatore will make his first major-league start of the season Wednesday night versus the division-rival Brewers. The highly-touted 23-year-old left-hander was sporting a 3.13 ERA with 56 strikeouts through 46 innings (eight starts) this year at the Triple-A level and is worth a shot in most standard fantasy formats. If he stays on turn, his next start with the Cardinals would be on the road against the Reds.

MAY 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Wednesday against Brewers Liberatore will be recalled from Triple-A Memphis to start against the Brewers on Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Impact This will not be an injury-related call-up, but instead a chance for the Cardinals to give their starters an extra day of rest. Liberatore struggled in 2022 in his brief time with the Cardinals as seen in a 5.97 ERA and 28:18 K:BB, but the 23-year-old has been excellent in Triple-A in 2023 with a 3.13 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 56:17 K:BB over 46 innings. This could be just one start for Liberatore in this instance, but a strong showing against Milwaukee could bode well for him making additional appearances this summer.

MAY 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

How extra spring innings helped Cardinals prospect Matthew Liberatore flash early season velocity Through his first five starts for Class AAA Memphis, Matthew Liberatore is 3-1 with a 2.60 ERA in 27 2/3 innings.

APRIL 25, 2023 • STLTODAY.COM

Missing bats at Triple-A Liberatore has a 2.38 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 30:8 K:BB in 22.2 innings over four starts for Triple-A Memphis.

Impact The 6-foot-4 southpaw's velocity ticked up into the mid-90s this spring, and he has used that added velocity to get off to a strong start in a return to Triple-A. Adam Wainwright (groin) is nearing a return to the rotation, but Liberatore won't need much more seasoning before he is ready for another shot in the big-league rotation if other injuries occur ahead of him on the depth chart.

APRIL 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Optioned to Triple-A level Liberatore was optioned to Triple-A Memphis by the Cardinals on Tuesday.

Impact St. Louis has enjoyed a fairly healthy spring, which means that Liberatore will head back to the minors to work on his craft. Adam Wainwright, Miles Mikolas, Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty and Steven Matz will make up the season-opening starting rotation for the reigning NL Central champs.

MARCH 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Impresses over five Liberatore allowed one run in five innings Saturday in a Grapefruit League start against the Tigers.

Impact Liberatore struck out six against one walk, and he allowed just three hits in the impressive effort. "That's the best I've ever seen him, Cardinals manager Oli Marmol told reporters after the outing. "Not even close." The only run allowed by Liberatore came on a solo home run by Spencer Torkelson. The southpaw is currently battling for one of the final spots in the St. Louis rotation, and another effort like this will give Marmol a difficult decision at least.

MARCH 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

MLB 26-and-under power rankings: No. 10 St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals check in at No. 10 in our comprehensive ranking of each MLB franchise's 26-and-under talent. Here's why.

MARCH 14, 2023

Impresses in spring debut Liberatore pitched two perfect innings Tuesday versus the Nationals in a Grapefruit League game.

Impact Liberatore is pushing for a rotation spot this season, but it could be an uphill battle. Steven Matz and Dakota Hudson are likely the favorites to be the fifth starter, which could mean Liberatore begins the year in the bullpen or at Triple-A Memphis. The southpaw struggled in his first taste of the majors last year, pitching to a 5.97 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 28:18 K:BB across 34.2 innings, but there's little reason to worry about his long-term outlook entering his age-23 season.

MARCH 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not on wild-card roster Liberatore was not selected for the Cardinals' 26-man wild-card roster.

Impact Liberatore was called to start Wednesday's regular season finale versus the Pirates, but the left-hander won't be a part of the Cardinals' postseason roster. The 22-year-old produced a 5.97 ERA and 1.73 WHIP with 28 strikeouts over 34.2 innings in nine appearances, including seven starts, in the regular season.

OCTOBER 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles versus Pirates Liberatore (2-2) was tagged with loss after he pitched five innings, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks while striking out Wednesday versus the Pirates.

Impact The left-hander struggled Wednesday after being recalled from Triple-A Memphis earlier in the day to make the spot start. Liberatore held the Pirates off the board for the first two frames before Rodolfo Castro ripped an RBI single in the third inning. He proceeded to surrender four runs in the following frame, raising the damage to five runs on the day. Liberatore will finish the campaign having made nine appearances, including seven starts with the Cardinals, posting a 5.97 ERA and 1.73 WHIP with 28 strikeouts over 34.2 innings.

OCTOBER 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Called up, will start Wednesday The Cardinals recalled Liberatore from Triple-A Memphis and will have him start Wednesday's regular-season finale in Pittsburgh, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Impact With their wild-card round series with the Phillies set to begin Friday, the Cardinals are likely to steer away from most of their key arms Wednesday to ensure optimal health in advance of the postseason. As a result, Liberatore will slot back into the rotation for what will be his ninth appearance and seventh start in the big leagues. Over 29.2 innings with the Cardinals, Liberatore has gone 2-1 with a 5.46 ERA and 1.69 WHIP.

OCTOBER 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Called up as 27th man The Cardinals recalled Liberatore from Triple-A Memphis and will designate him as the 27th man for Tuesday's doubleheader with the Cubs.

Impact The rookie southpaw will technically be available for both ends of the twin bill, but the Cardinals will presumably save him for the second game, when Jake Woodford is scheduled to start. Since Woodford covered 1.1 innings in relief just two days ago, he'll presumably be on a limited pitch count in the spot start, potentially setting the stage for Liberatore to piggyback him as a multi-inning reliever. In seven appearances (six starts) for the big club this season, Liberatore has provided a 5.33 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 22:14 K:BB over 27 innings.

AUGUST 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Candidate to start Tuesday Liberatore is a candidate to start one of the two games during Tuesday's doubleheader with the Cubs, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Impact Liberatore has joined the Cardinals' taxi squad for their trip to Wrigley Field, and he'll likely be formally called up from Triple-A Memphis and designated as the 27th man once Tuesday arrives. Although he's in the mix to start Tuesday, manager Oliver Marmol said that he's leaning toward starting Jake Woodford. If that's the case, Liberatore would likely be available as a long reliever. Over seven appearances (six starts) in the majors this season, Liberatore has posted a 5.33 ERA and 1.74 WHIP in 27 innings.

AUGUST 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Moves back to Triple-A The Cardinals optioned Liberatore to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Impact Liberatore's demotion likely foreshadows Steven Matz's (shoulder) return to the rotation in the Cardinals' final game before the All-Star break Sunday against the Reds. St. Louis may have chosen to delay Matz's activation until the second half if Liberatore fared well in his most recent outing, but the Cardinals' decision to deploy the rookie behind an opener (Jordan Hicks) in Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Dodgers didn't pay dividends. Liberatore took a no-decision after giving up three earned runs in 2.1 innings, inflating his ERA to 5.33 through his first seven outings in the big leagues.

JULY 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles in bulk role Liberatore allowed three runs on four hits in 2.1 innings during Tuesday's 7-6 victory over the Dodgers. He failed to record a strikeout or walk.

Impact Liberatore was tabbed as the bulk reliever for Tuesday's contest and ended up making his first relief appearance as the third of seven St. Louis pitchers. The 22-year-old entered in the fourth and navigated a 1-2-3 frame but surrendered two runs on three hits in the fifth and another run in the sixth when the St. Louis bullpen let an inherited runner score. Liberatore's ERA and WHIP rose to 5.33 and 1.74 respectively with the poor performance, and he's most likely to appear in relief if he's used again prior to the All-Star break.

JULY 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE