Left-handed pitcher Matthew Liberatore, who has lost his last four decisions and gone without a win since June 29, will aim to reverse his fortunes Monday night when the St. Louis Cardinals open a three-game series against the Miami Marlins. This game presents a critical opportunity for Liberatore as he hopes to spark a Matthew Liberatore season turnaround.

Selected as a first-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2018 straight out of Arizona high school, Liberatore was traded to the Cardinals in January 2020 in exchange for outfielder Randy Arozarena. Since joining St. Louis, Liberatore has appeared in 67 relief outings with a 3-3 record and 3.89 ERA, while his starts have yielded an 11-19 record and a 4.91 ERA.

Transition to Starting Role Has Tested Liberatore

In 2023, Liberatore’s role shifted exclusively to starting pitcher, marking his first season without relief appearances. Through 22 starts, he carries a 6-10 record with a 4.08 ERA. However, recent performances have been concerning: after a strong start with a 3.70 ERA across his first 17 starts, his ERA has ballooned to 5.95 over his last five outings, during which he has failed to pitch beyond 4 1/3 innings.

One factor affecting his stamina is a decline in fastball velocity. Liberatore’s fastball typically reaches 95 mph in the first three innings but then drops as low as 91 mph in later innings, suggesting fatigue may be limiting his effectiveness.

This pattern has sparked debate about whether he would perform better returning to the bullpen, but Liberatore remains determined to succeed as a starter.

I don’t know if there’s anything I’ve wanted more than to be a big-league starter,

he told mlb.com.

I don’t know if I could want to be a (reliever again).

Additional Challenges Ahead of Monday’s Start

Liberatore’s history against the Marlins has not been favorable; his career ERA in six innings spanning four appearances (two starts and two relief) against Miami stands at 12.00. His road performance overall is also a concern, with a 5.10 ERA away from home compared to 4.13 at Busch Stadium.

The Marlins will send right-hander Eury Perez to the mound against Liberatore. Perez holds a 5-3 record and 3.58 ERA this season. His career numbers indicate stronger success at home, posting a 2.00 ERA across 13 starts versus a 4.38 ERA in 18 road outings.

Perez impressed in his lone start against St. Louis this year, allowing only one run over six innings with seven strikeouts and two walks in a home loss. However, his recent form has seen an ERA increase to 4.96 in three August starts, despite a 2-0 record during that span.

Team Struggles and Injuries Set the Stage

Both teams enter the series amid disappointing stretches. The Cardinals have lost five straight games, all at home, including an 8-4 defeat by the New York Yankees on Sunday. Meanwhile, Miami ended a difficult 3-8 road trip.

Adding to Miami’s challenges is the loss of All-Star left fielder Kyle Stowers, who was placed on injured reserve Sunday due to an oblique strain. Manager Clayton McCullough said Stowers’ injury will sideline him for several weeks, potentially ending his season early.

Stowers experienced tightness on his left side during his first at-bat on Friday, a discomfort that persisted throughout the game.

I just felt a little weird,

Stowers admitted.

At 27, Stowers was enjoying a breakout year and was named the National League Player of the Month for July. His statistics before the injury were impressive: 25 home runs, 73 RBIs, 21 doubles, three triples, and a .912 OPS. At the time of his exit, he ranked fifth in the National League in OPS, ninth in home runs, and eleventh in RBIs.

Reflecting on Stowers’ absence, McCullough remarked,

Kyle’s having a great year,

but added,

But we have a tough and resilient group.

Outlook for the Series and Liberatore’s Role

Monday’s game represents a pivotal moment for Matthew Liberatore, whose continued struggles as a starter could put his long-term role in question. A strong outing against the Marlins would help shift momentum for both Liberatore and the Cardinals, who are eager to end their losing streak.

Meanwhile, the Marlins must adapt without Stowers’ offensive production, testing their depth as they seek to improve their recent road performance. How both teams respond in this series may shape their paths during the critical stretch of the season.