Cardinals: Next 3 prospects who should be called up

Mar 18, 2022; Jupiter, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals infielder Juan Yepez (36) rounds pass third base on his way to score after a single by third baseman Nolan Arenado (not pictured) in the third inning of the game against the Houston Astros during spring training at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 15, 2022; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore (52) watches from the mound during a spring training workout at Roger Dean Chevrolet stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

Matthew Liberatore

A 22-year-old lefty, Liberatore is ranked as the third-best prospect and top pitcher in the Cardinals system. Liberatore was a first-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018 but was traded to the Cardinals in 2020 for Jose Martinez and Randy Arozarena.

Liberatore is off to a great start and is opening eyes to the possibility of what he can bring to the club’s rotation. Fangraphs.com projects Liberatore as a fourth starter. “Liberatore has the arm strength and gets a big spin on a plus curve.”

https://twitter.com/MLBPipeline/status/1520205599547535362?s=20&t=Jm1YC-ZzpvZ-LLUXUHndFQ

In five games this season, Liberatore is 3-2 with an ERA of 3.12, and a .302 BABIP, with 34 strikeouts in 28.1 innings pitched. About 42.4% of his pitches induce ground balls, a pitching characteristic the Cardinals pride themselves on.

The Cardinals will likely give Liberatore more time in AAA Memphis, but it won’t be a surprise to see him be brought up to St. Louis in order to get some more arms down the stretch.

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