The St. Louis Cardinals are contemplating a strategic shift in their pitching rotation, aiming to improve performance as they face an intense schedule. MLB.com writer John Denton advocates for Steven Matz's return to a full-time starting role, citing the need for stability as the team approaches 29 games in 30 days. Matz has shown promise this season, posting a 3-1 record and a 2.16 ERA in 16 appearances, which could help alleviate the strain on veteran pitchers like Miles Mikolas and Sonny Gray.

Manager Oliver Marmol acknowledges Matz's versatility this season, where he has performed effectively both as a starter and out of the bullpen. With the Cardinals trailing the Cubs in the NL Central, integrating Matz as a consistent starter could be key to their playoff aspirations.

On this Wednesday, a pair of intriguing National League matchups dominate the MLB betting landscape. The San Francisco Giants take on the San Diego Padres, where pitchers Landen Roupp and Michael King are set to duel. Roupp's 4.56 ERA is overshadowed by his impressive metrics, including a notable 10.9 K/9 rate. While he has had a shaky start, his ability to limit runs in most outings is promising. King's stellar 2.18 ERA and low WHIP suggest he will be a tough challenge for the Giants. Given both pitchers' strong early-game performances, betting on the 'Under' for runs in the first few innings seems prudent.

In the evening, the St. Louis Cardinals face the Cincinnati Reds with Steven Matz and Andrew Abbott on the mound. Matz's recent form shows promise, but historical struggles against Reds batters raise concerns. Abbott’s solid start to the season indicates he can limit the Cardinals' offense, especially given their struggles against left-handed pitching. The Reds are favored to score high, making their first-five innings line appealing for bettors.

The matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets is set for tonight as both teams look to improve their standings. The Cardinals enter the game at .500 with a recent win over the Astros, where Steven Matz dominated on the mound. On the other side, the Mets are coming off a narrow loss to the Twins, showcasing the inconsistency in their bullpen. Andre Pallante, with a stellar ERA of 2.20, is slated to start for St. Louis, while Griffin Canning takes the mound for New York, coming off a less impressive outing.

The latest betting odds favor the Mets slightly, but trends suggest the Cardinals have the potential to make an impact. With the over hitting in recent road games for St. Louis and the Mets winning four of their last five at home, this game is shaping up to be competitive. Bettors and fantasy players alike should keep an eye on Pallante's performance, as he has been a key player in the Cardinals' rotation.

The St. Louis Cardinals are facing a puzzling offseason, having spoken about a potential organizational reset, yet little has changed from their 83-win season in 2024. Major roster alterations are lacking, with Paul Goldschmidt and Andrew Kittredge departing in free agency, alongside the rejection of club options for Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson. Amidst swirling trade rumors, no significant moves have materialized.

ESPN's Jeff Passan highlighted that the Cardinals' inactivity has caught other teams off guard, especially with usually active franchises like the Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins also struggling to finalize trades. Despite Nolan Arenado being a prime candidate for trade, he, along with other rumored players such as Steven Matz, Erick Fedde, and Ryan Helsley, remains on the roster.

The Cleveland Guardians are actively seeking to enhance their starting pitching staff ahead of the 2025 season, with analysts advocating for the addition of veteran pitchers. The escalating costs in the market make a trade the most viable option for the Guardians, who are reportedly interested in St. Louis Cardinals pitchers Erick Fedde and Steven Matz.

According to John Denton, a beat reporter for MLB.com, the Guardians have made inquiries about both pitchers multiple times in recent weeks. Their interest in Fedde and Matz first surfaced in late December 2024, and Denton has reiterated the Guardians' keen interest as the offseason progresses. Fedde, who concluded the 2024 season with a strong 3.30 ERA, is seen as an ideal fit for Cleveland's rotation, while Matz's performance, hampered by injury, presents a more uncertain option.