Right-handed pitcher Miles Mikolas hopes to turn around a difficult season as he enters the final year of his contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals will host the Colorado Rockies Monday night to start a three-game series, where Mikolas is scheduled to take the mound.
Mikolas, who holds a 6-9 record with a 5.11 ERA this season, recently suffered a tough loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing five runs on seven hits, including three home runs. Despite the setbacks, the two-time All-Star remains committed to finishing the season strongly.
Veteran Pitcher’s Leadership and Determination
The 36-year-old pitcher, soon to turn 37, has experienced multiple games this season where he gave up at least five runs. Mikolas expressed his desire to not only improve his performance but also to inspire the Cardinals’ younger players through his example.
“I want to finish strong, and I want to do my best to be a good example for the young guys. There are some young guys in here who I’ve seen from their rookie years, seen them mature and get better. Hopefully, I’ve left a little bit of an imprint on them. Show the younger guys what it’s like to go about your work — day in, day out, rain or shine,”
Mikolas said.
I’ll be in here tomorrow working out, busting my tail in the gym, getting my work done with the trainers, watching video, trying to get better.
—Miles Mikolas, Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals
As Mikolas approaches the final season of his three-year, $55.75 million deal, he aims to bolster his value in free agency while helping his team navigate the remainder of the season by providing innings and stability.
Bottom line: I want to finish strong and show teams that I’ve still got a lot of good baseball left in me,
he added.
Cardinals Make Roster Moves as Season Intensifies
The Cardinals enter the series with momentum, having won three of their last four games. They adjusted their pitching rotation Sunday, sending right-hander Gordon Graceffo back to Triple-A Memphis and activating Jorge Alcala, a fellow right-hander recently acquired from the Boston Red Sox via waivers.
Utility player Brendan Donovan is listed as questionable for Monday’s game after missing two contests due to groin tightness, potentially impacting the Cardinals’ roster depth.
Rockies Extend Losing Streak Amid Rookie Debuts
The Colorado Rockies are struggling, having dropped seven games in a row after a 13-6 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. Despite the slump, the team has introduced new talent, with infielder Kyle Karros making his major league debut this season as the 12th Rockies player to do so.
Karros, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 draft, has shown promise early in his major league career, recording four hits in 11 at-bats, including two doubles, alongside two walks, two runs, and three RBIs in just three games.
Karros credited former Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon—traded recently to the New York Yankees—for his mentorship during spring training and his guidance toward making the major league roster.
He texted me right after he got traded,
Karros said.
Just to think what he was going through — his life got turned upside down. He’s moving his family to New York City. For him to have the thought to text me — and the text was incredible, super-heartfelt … just an unreal dude. I love that guy. The relationship is going to continue way further down the road.
—Kyle Karros, Infielder, Colorado Rockies
Rockies to Start Rookie Pitcher Against Cardinals
The Rockies plan to call up rookie right-hander Chase Dollander from Triple-A Albuquerque to start Monday’s game. Dollander, who carries a 2-9 record with a 6.68 ERA this season, will make his first major league appearance against the Cardinals, presenting a fresh challenge for St. Louis’ hitters and adding a new dynamic to the series.
Looking Ahead: Cardinals and Mikolas Eye Postseason Stability
With the season advancing, Miles Mikolas and the Cardinals hope their combined efforts will strengthen the team’s position and provide veteran leadership amid roster changes. Mikolas aims to demonstrate his value for future contracts while giving young players a model of consistency and endurance.
The Rockies, meanwhile, face an uphill battle in halting their losing streak as new players like Karros and Dollander adjust to major league competition. The outcome of this series could prove pivotal for both teams’ trajectories as they approach the season’s second half.