Matthew Liberatore’s struggles on the mound have become a focal point for the St. Louis Cardinals, particularly after he expressed feeling “out of sync” during the team’s recent doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals. Analyzing his performance reveals several factors contributing to his inconsistency. Key observations include:

  • Inconsistent Mechanics: Liberatore’s delivery has shown noticeable variations, leading to erratic pitch placement.
  • Pitch Selection: A lack of confidence in his breaking balls has forced him to rely heavily on fastballs, making him predictable.
  • Increased Walk Rate: His elevated number of walks has put more pressure on him, resulting in high-leverage situations.

Statistical analysis further illuminates the challenges he faces. The following table summarizes his performance metrics over the last few games:

GameInnings PitchedEarned RunsWalksStrikeouts
Game 15436
Game 24544

These numbers highlight a troubling trend in Liberatore’s outings; while his strikeout ability remains intact, the combination of poor control and vulnerability to runs has hindered his effectiveness. Identifying and addressing these issues will be critical for the Cardinals as they look to stabilize their pitching rotation.