MATTHEW LIBERATORE NEWS

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

Working behind opener Tuesday Liberatore is slated to work as the Cardinals' bulk reliever behind opener Jordan Hicks in Tuesday's game against the Dodgers, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Impact Liberatore has turned in a mixed bag of results while working as a traditional starter in his first six big-league starts. In three of those outings, he's kept the opposition off the board over 14 innings, and in the other three, he's surrendered 13 earned runs in 10.2 innings. A matchup with a Dodgers lineup that features Mookie Betts, Trea Turner and Freddie Freeman as the top three batters in the order likely wouldn't have set Liberatore up for much success, so Hicks will likely cover an inning or two before giving way to the rookie. The arrangement should allow Liberatore to work deeper into the contest and improve his chances of factoring into any decision.

JULY 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Four scoreless innings Thursday Liberatore struck out four in four shutout innings while allowing three hits and three walks Thursday in a 3-2 win in Atlanta in extra innings. He did not factor into the decision.

Impact Liberatore was effectively wild, throwing just 41 of 74 pitches for strikes, and was able to pitch around trouble to hold Atlanta scoreless. The rookie has held opponents scoreless three times through six starts in the big leagues and allowed at least four runs the other three times. At Triple-A, the 22-year-old had a 61:17 K:BB through 58 innings but since joining the Cardinals his control has suffered and he has a 22:14 K:BB in 24.2 innings.

JULY 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Next start coming Thursday Liberatore is scheduled to make his next start with the Cardinals on Thursday in Atlanta.

Impact As anticipated, Liberatore will be receiving more than one turn through the St. Louis rotation after he was recalled from Triple-A Memphis over the weekend in response to Jack Flaherty (shoulder) joining Steven Matz (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list. Liberatore made his fifth big-league start Saturday in Philadelphia, surrendering five runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out three over 2.2 innings. He now sports a 5.66 ERA and 1.79 WHIP heading into his upcoming outing in Atlanta.

JULY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Allows five runs in win Liberatore did not factor into the decision against the Phillies on Saturday, allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out three and walking one across 2.2 innings.

Impact Liberatore lasted just 2.2 innings Saturday after allowing five earned runs. He threw 41 of 66 pitches for strikes in the game. Though he did not pitch well in the game, he escaped without a loss thanks to an excellent offensive performance from the Cardinals. In limited time this season, Liberatore has a 5.66 ERA and has allowed 13 earned runs in 20.2 innings.

JULY 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Called up ahead of start Liberatore was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Impact Liberatore has been shuffled between the minor-league and major-league clubs early in the season. However, manager Oliver Marmol recently indicated that the 22-year-old could remain in the Cardinals' rotation after starting Saturday's game against the Phillies since Jack Flaherty (shoulder) and Steven Matz (back) are sidelined. Over his first four starts for St. Louis, the southpaw has posted a 4.00 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in 18 innings.

JULY 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Getting start Saturday Manager Oliver Marmol said Liberatore will be recalled from Triple-A Memphis to start Saturday's game against the Phillies in Philadelphia, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democr...

Impact Liberatore has been optioned back to Memphis immediately after three of his first four big-league starts, but Marmol suggested that the rookie could have some staying power in the rotation during his upcoming stint in St. Louis, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. With Jack Flaherty (shoulder) moving to the 15-day injured list Monday and Steven Matz (back) unlikely to be ready for a return from the IL until the second week of July, Liberatore should be in store for at least two starts. Liberatore has produced a 4.00 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 6.1 K-BB% across 18 innings through his first four outings.

JUNE 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Likely to rejoin rotation Liberatore rejoined the Cardinals on Wednesday and is expected to be formally called up from Triple-A Memphis later this week to make a start during the big club's upcoming series...

Impact He'll likely be joining the rotation as a replacement for Jack Flaherty (shoulder), who was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday. Liberatore has previously made four starts for St. Louis, covering 18 innings over those outings while churning out a 4.00 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 6.1 K-BB%.

JUNE 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Headed back to minors Liberatore was returned to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday.

Impact Liberatore made his fourth career major-league start during the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Pirates, and he allowed three hits and two walks while striking out five in five scoreless innings to earn the win over Pittsburgh. However, the left-hander served as the 27th man during the twin bill and will head back to the minors after Jack Flaherty (shoulder) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

JUNE 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Blanks Bucs for second win Liberatore (2-1) picked up the win in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Pirates, allowing three hits and two walks over five scoreless innings. He struck out fiv...

Impact The rookie southpaw tossed 51 of 79 pitches for strikes before exiting as he held the opposition without a run for the second time in four big-league starts. Liberatore has also walked multiple batters in all four of those starts, and his 15:10 K:BB through 18 innings is far from dominant, but so far he's held his own, posting a 4.00 ERA. With Jack Flaherty (shoulder) set to make his season debut Wednesday, someone will lose their spot in the St. Louis rotation, but Liberatore seems as though he's done enough to stick around ahead of Zack Thompson.

JUNE 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Recalled ahead of start Liberatore was recalled ahead of his scheduled start in Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Pirates.

Impact Liberatore will be the 27th man for the doubleheader, which suggests he could head right back to the minors after his outing. He hasn't done quite enough to stick permanently in the big-league rotation through his first three starts at the highest level, posting a 5.54 ERA and 10:8 K:BB, though a date with the Pirates could help him improve those numbers.

JUNE 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Returning Tuesday Liberatore will be recalled to start the first half of Sunday's doubleheader against the Pirates, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Impact Liberatore has made one strong start and two poor ones thus far in his brief big-league career, giving him a 5.54 ERA and 10:8 K:BB overall. His major-league debut came against the Pirates in late May and was one of those poor outings, as he allowed four runs on seven hits across 4.2 frames, but his prospect pedigree suggests that better results should be coming soon.

JUNE 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Sent down Friday Liberatore was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Impact Liberatore made his third major-league start Thursday against the Cubs and allowed four runs in 3.1 innings to take the loss. The southpaw has had an inconsistent start to his big-league career- and he has a 5.54 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in 13 innings over three outings. However, the 22-year-old remains one of the Cardinals' top prospects, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him rejoin the major-league club at some point. Liberatore's demotion could signal that Steven Matz (shoulder) will be ready to rejoin the rotation next week.

JUNE 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles in third start Liberatore (1-1) took the loss against the Cubs on Thursday, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out one batter over 3.1 innings.

Impact The rookie left-hander had trouble with both his control and command in his third big-league outing, throwing only 42 of 80 pitches for strikes and serving up five extra-base hits -- including three home runs. Liberatore notched only one strikeout and was chased after falling behind 4-2 in the fourth inning. He did well in his previous start, pitching five scoreless frames against Milwaukee, but has struggled in his other two appearances with the big club this season. It's unclear if he'll stick in the rotation once injured hurlers Steven Matz (shoulder), Jordan Hicks (forearm) and -- a bit further off -- Jack Flaherty (shoulder) return.

JUNE 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Pitches five scoreless Liberatore (1-0) got the win Saturday after he pitched five scoreless innings, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out six against the Brewers.

Impact After getting recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Monday, Liberatore made his second career start Saturday and blanked the Brewers over five frames. The left-hander looked far sharper in this one than his debut May 21, surrendering two hits compared to the seven the Pirates got off him last time. With Steven Matz (shoulder) on the injured list, Liberatore is tentatively set to pitch again Thursday versus the Cubs. He'll carry a 3.72 ERA and 1.45 WHIP with nine punchouts over 9.2 innings into the outing.

MAY 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Back in big leagues The Cardinals recalled Liberatore from Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Impact It's been a busy three days for Liberatore. He was called up for his big-league debut Saturday before being optioned the next day, only to rejoin St. Louis one day later with Steven Matz (shoulder) landing on the injured list. It's unclear exactly how long Matz's absence will last, but Liberatore will get the chance to replace him in the rotation and should have at least a couple more starts to prove he belongs in the big leagues. His debut wasn't particularly good, as he allowed four runs in 4.2 innings against the lowly Pirates, but he's talented enough that there's reason to expect more going forward. According to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat, Liberatore is scheduled to make his second start with the Cardinals next Saturday versus the Brewers in St. Louis.

MAY 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact Due to a May 17 doubleheader with the Mets, the Cardinals temporarily moved to a six-man rotation, which allowed Liberatore to receive his first call-up to the big leagues earlier in the weekend. He made his MLB debut Saturday, starting in the Cardinals' 5-4 win over the Pirates while allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three in 4.2 innings. Even if he fared better against Pittsburgh, Liberatore likely still would have been headed back to the minors, as the Cardinals will move back to a five-man rotation during the upcoming week. The Cardinals have a doubleheader coming up June 4 in Chicago against the Cubs, so Liberatore could be an option to get called up and make another spot start that day if the St. Louis rotation remains intact prior to the twin bill.

MAY 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Yields four runs in debut Liberatore did not factor in the decision against Pittsburgh on Saturday, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three.

Impact Liberatore was hit hard throughout the outing, as five of the seven hits against him went for extra bases. Still, he would have qualified for the win with one additional out, but Pittsburgh racked up four hits and scored twice with two outs in the bottom of the fifth to send the rookie to the dugout. Liberatore's overall stat line was uninspiring -- he threw less than 60 percent of his pitches for strikes and induced a mere five swings-and-misses. It remains to be seen if he'll get another chance to start or be returned to the minors moving forward.

MAY 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Officially up for MLB debut Liberatore's contract was officially selected as expected ahead of his major-league debut against the Pirates on Saturday.

Impact Liberatore will get about as soft a landing spot as he could have asked for in his first career start, as he'll face one of the league's weakest offenses in one of the league's most pitcher-friendly parks. The 2018 16th-overall pick has been one of the game's more interesting prospects since he was drafted, and he's had a good start to the season with Triple-A Memphis, increasing his strikeout rate to 28.4 percent while posting a 3.83 ERA across seven starts. This may just be a spot start, as the Cardinals don't have a hole in their rotation at the moment, but it may also be an audition for a permanent spot in the rotation.

MAY 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE