MATTHEW LIBERATORE NEWS

Pulled in third inning Liberatore did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four unearned runs on four hits and two walks over 2.1 innings against the Cubs. He struck out three.

Impact Liberatore was tagged for four runs in the first, but none of them were earned due to two errors from the Cardinals defense. The left-hander was pulled in the third inning at 56 pitches (33 strikes) in favor of John Woodford, who earned the win. Liberatore has started six of his seven MLB appearances this season, but Sunday's outing was by far his shortest as a starter, as he completed at least four innings in his other starts. The 23-year-old's spot in the rotation remains secure moving forward, especially if Jack Flaherty (hip) has to miss extended time, but Liberatore figures to have a short lease during his outings, with Woodford and Steven Matz available as long-relief options out of the bullpen.

JUNE 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Allows season-high five earned runs Liberatore did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing five runs on four hits and two walks over four innings against the Mets. He struck out two.

Impact Liberatore allowed a season-high five earned runs, but he escaped with a no-decision thanks to the Cardinals' offensive explosion. It was a disappointing outing for the left-hander, who was coming off his first quality start of the year, and his ERA has ballooned to 6.12 through six appearances (five starts). The 23-year-old won the fifth-starter gig to start June, as Steven Matz shifted to the bullpen, but Liberatore's spot in the rotation isn't guaranteed, especially if he continues to struggle.

JUNE 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Yields two runs in no-decision Liberatore allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings in Monday's loss to the Giants. He struck out five and did not factor in the decision.

Impact Liberatore coughed up both runs in the third inning but otherwise was able to navigate through the Giants' lineup. After allowing eight earned runs in his last two starts, Monday's outing was his first quality start at the MLB level this season. He dropped his ERA to 5.14 alongside a 16:10 K:BB through 21 innings. Liberatore is lined up to face the Mets on the road this weekend.

JUNE 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Surrenders five runs in loss Liberatore (1-2) took the loss Tuesday against the Rangers after allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out two over four innings.

Impact Liberatore started out with a clean opening frame but then proceeded to allow a run in the second, third and three more in the fourth before his day was over. The 23-year-old has racked up just five strikeouts over his last 10 innings after he had six strikeouts over five innings during his 2023 debut on May 17. Even with his recent struggles, the team still plans to give Liberatore multiple starts in order to get a fair evaluation on where he stands at the MLB level after moving Steven Matz to the bullpen. He now stands at a 6.00 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 11:8 K:BB over 15 innings. His next chance to right the ship should come next week against the Giants.

JUNE 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will start Tuesday Liberatore will start Tuesday's game against the Rangers, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Impact After the Cardinals announced they will be shifting to a five-man rotation instead of six, it was unclear whether Liberatore or Steven Matz would take the fifth spot. With the team confirming Liberatore as Tuesday's starter, it appears the 23-year-old lefty has the upper hand at the moment. However, a plan is in place to work Matz back into the rotation, so Liberatore is still at risk of losing his spot should his performance decline.

JUNE 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Role not yet determined The Cardinals will no longer use a six-man rotation, with the fifth spot coming down to Liberatore or Steven Matz, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Impact The Cards shifted to a six-man rotation during a stretch of 19 games in 19 days, but they have back-to-back off days this week which will allow them to restructure the rotation again. Matz will be available in relief Monday and Tuesday, with Liberatore's potential availability out of the bullpen yet to be determined. Things certainly appear to be pointing toward Matz being moved to the bullpen for a while and Liberatore getting the fifth spot, but the team has not yet committed to that setup.

MAY 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Tagged with four runs Liberatore (1-1) allowed four runs in five hits and two walks over five innings Friday. He struck out two and took a loss against Cleveland.

Impact Liberatore faced little issue through four scoreless innings before the Guardians broke through with a four-run fifth frame. His ERA jumped to 4.91 through three appearances (two starts) this season. As of now, it's unclear if Liberatore will get another start or move back into the bullpen. He posted an 11.0 K/9 with Triple-A Memphis but has struck out just nine batters in 11 MLB innings.

MAY 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

'One inning got him': Trouble in 5th bites Liberatore CLEVELAND -- For four innings on Friday night, Matthew Liberatore stymied the Cleveland Guardians’ offense. That changed in the fifth, as Li...

MAY 27, 2023 • MLB.COM

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

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