Erick Fedde will take the mound again for the Cardinals this Saturday against the Braves, despite continuing struggles on the mound. Fedde’s most recent outing was Sunday night against the Cubs, where he lasted only 1 â…“ innings, allowing three runs on two hits and issuing four walks before being removed from the game.
Fedde’s performance issues extend beyond that game, with two prior starts yielding seven runs each. Over his last seven appearances, he has posted an 0-5 record and a 6.54 ERA, raising questions about his effectiveness this season.
Season Stats and Team Context for Fedde and Mikolas
For the season, Fedde has accumulated a 4.79 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP across 94 innings pitched. Fellow Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas is facing similar challenges, also experiencing difficulties lately while approaching free agency at the end of the season. Mikolas, however, carries a salary exceeding $17.5 million, in contrast to Fedde’s $7.5 million contract.
The Cardinals’ starting rotation is expected to undergo changes in the near future, with the organization unlikely to retain both Fedde and Mikolas given their combined contract costs and performance issues. Starting both pitchers currently may be a strategy to preserve some trade value before the trade deadline arrives.
Alternatives to Fedde and Prospects in the Pipeline
Cardinals fans had hoped Michael McGreevy, a 25-year-old right-hander with a 3.21 ERA in Triple-A Memphis, might start against the Braves instead. McGreevy has also appeared effectively in four games with the Cardinals this year. Still, the team is hesitant to make a starting change just yet.
Beyond McGreevy, other pitching prospects such as Tekoah Roby and Quinn Mathews have had inconsistent performances at Triple-A Memphis. Meanwhile, the team is reportedly exploring external options like Merrill Kelly from the Diamondbacks and Taj Bradley from the Rays to potentially bolster the rotation.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the Cardinals’ Rotation
The coming weeks will likely bring shifts to the Cardinals’ pitching staff as they evaluate their free agents and consider trade possibilities. Maintaining Fedde and Mikolas in the rotation for now appears driven by a desire to maximize trade leverage. The outcomes of these decisions will directly affect the team’s competitiveness as the Braves series begins and the season progresses.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast does Erick Fedde throw?
A. Between 2017 and 2025, Erick Fedde’s 13,124 pitches have been recorded by the PITCHf/x system. This includes games during the MLB Regular Season and Spring Training. In 2025, he mostly used a Sinker at 93 mph, a Cutter at 90 mph, and a Slider at 82 mph. He also occasionally threw a Change at 87 mph.