Cardinals Reshuffle Rotation: What It Means for Miles Mikolas and Erick Fedde
A Crucial Change Before the All-Star Break
The St. Louis Cardinals reshuffle rotation as they open a key six-game homestand. This move comes at a tense time. The team’s pitching staff has faltered, especially veterans Miles Mikolas and Erick Fedde.
The rotation now features:
- Sonny Gray on Tuesday
- Andre Pallante on Wednesday
- Miles Mikolas on Thursday
The upcoming rotation against the Braves remains undecided. However, the message is clear—change is coming.
Mikolas and Fedde: Under Pressure to Perform
Mikolas: Struggling to Find Form
Miles Mikolas hasn’t won since May 23. His ERA over his last seven starts is 7.75. Most recently, he gave up six home runs against the Cubs—setting a career-worst and a team low point.
Even more troubling, his low strikeout rate has dropped further. Meanwhile, opponents are hitting the ball harder than ever. Mikolas must adjust quickly or risk losing his role.
Fedde: A Steep Decline
Erick Fedde’s slide is even more dramatic. After a surprise complete-game shutout in May, his ERA ballooned to 5.70. In his last three starts, he gave up 17 runs in just 10 innings.
On Sunday Night Baseball, Fedde lasted only 1.1 innings. He threw 53 pitches to get four outs, putting the bullpen under immediate pressure.
Cardinals Face a Tough Decision
Despite these struggles, the Cardinals are only 1.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. This puts them in a tight spot. They must choose between letting Mikolas and Fedde pitch through their issues or turning to younger arms.
McGreevy Could Step In
Michael McGreevy is lined up to pitch Saturday. That’s the same day Fedde would be due. McGreevy is also on regular rest and eligible for a call-up. This makes a rotation change very possible.
So far, the Cardinals haven’t committed to a decision. But comments from manager Oli Marmol hint at looming changes.
“We’ll take a step back and figure out what that looks like,” Marmol said. “Continuing to go down this road doesn’t seem beneficial at the moment.”
What’s Next for Mikolas and Fedde?
Mikolas Gets Another Shot
Mikolas is expected to pitch Thursday against the Washington Nationals, one of the weakest teams in MLB. It’s a good chance to reset and prove he still belongs in the rotation.
Fedde’s Future Is Uncertain
Fedde’s role is far less secure. With McGreevy waiting in the wings, the team may not give him another start unless he improves dramatically.
Final Thoughts: Make-or-Break Time
The Cardinals reshuffle rotation at a critical point. While they remain in the playoff hunt, their path forward depends on whether Mikolas and Fedde can bounce back. If not, the team may shift focus toward developing younger talent for the second half of the season.
