The St. Louis Cardinals are in a challenging position as they manage Erick Fedde’s ongoing struggles while striving to stay competitive. After a close 7-6 defeat to the Atlanta Braves, the team holds a 50-46 record, trailing by 6.5 games in the National League Central and 2.5 games behind in the Wild Card race. With the trade deadline approaching, the franchise is actively considering key roster moves, including a possible decision about Fedde’s future.
Fedde’s Recent Starts Highlight Continuing Difficulties
In his latest start on Saturday, Erick Fedde was unable to improve his form, yielding three runs in just 4.2 innings. This game added to a series of inconsistent outings that have marred his season. Despite hopes for a turnaround, Fedde’s effectiveness on the mound has waned, placing further pressure on the Cardinals to rethink his role in the rotation. Thomas Gauvain of Redbird Rants described the latest performance, stating,
“The struggles continued for Fedde on Saturday afternoon in his ‘redemption’ start against the Atlanta Braves,”
and added,
“Fedde got the first two batters out thanks to a few flyouts, but trouble compounded quickly.”
Gauvain detailed how the inning fell apart, as Ronald Acuña Jr. and Marcell Ozuna hit consecutive solo home runs, followed by a single from Ozzie Albies that contributed to additional scoring.
Challenges Surround Fedde’s Current Trade Value
Although Fedde did not receive a decision in the recent game, his season statistics remain concerning. Sitting at a 3-9 record with a 4.83 ERA across 19 starts, his performance lags far behind initial expectations set when the Cardinals acquired him last season. Consequently, his value on the trade market has diminished significantly. Any potential trade talks are likely to yield limited returns due to his struggles this year.
Implications for the Cardinals’ Playoff Aspirations and Next Steps
As the trade deadline nears, the Cardinals face significant strategic decisions that could influence not only Fedde’s future but the team’s overall direction. Their playoff prospects are uncertain, and how they address struggles in their pitching rotation, including whether they move on from Fedde, could shape the remainder of the season. The upcoming days will be crucial in determining if St. Louis opts to shake up its roster or continues to back Fedde despite his ongoing difficulties.