
The 2024 season has had ups and downs for the St. Louis Cardinals.
With a dismal 14-16 record, St. Louis is presently fourth in the National League Central. Despite having a wealth of skill, the Cardinals are currently 4 1/2 games behind the leaders. The Milwaukee Brewers
The Cardinals’ unexpectedly slow offence has been the main cause of their problems this season, but there have also been other problems. Though there is certainly opportunity for improvement, St. Louis’ starting rotation is in far better shape than it was a year ago.

Star player Steven Matz is one individual who has had some difficulties recently. Despite allowing just three earned runs in his first three appearances of the season, he had a great start to the season and has since given up 16 earned runs in his final three starts.

It’s unclear exactly what has changed, but according to The Athletic’s Katie Woo, Matz is apparently experiencing lower-back soreness, which could be the cause.
“Steven Matz was trying to pitch through a lower-back issue that came up between starts,” Woo stated. “I assumed that the rainout and extra day would be plenty to get through it. explains the current rapid hook and the velocity decline. Tomorrow is his planned evaluation day.
“For now, the Cardinals are classifying it as lower-back pain. After Matz meets with the trainers, things will become clearer. During a run earlier in the week, Matz felt his back tighten, and he has been battling with it ever since for four days.”It’s unclear at this time how much Matz has been affected by the illness, but ideally he can quickly get back on track.