The St. Louis Cardinals enter a crucial series against the struggling Chicago White Sox, each team facing a tough season with recent poor performances. The Cardinals have lost seven of their last eight games, falling behind the Cubs in the NL Central, while the White Sox find themselves languishing at the bottom of the AL Central, 22.5 games behind the division leader.

On the mound, Matthew Liberatore is set to face Shane Smith; Liberatore's recent outings have been inconsistent, highlighting his 4.17 ERA and 3-6 record. In contrast, Smith has fared better with a 2.37 ERA, providing Chicago with a glimmer of hope. Betting odds favor the Cardinals with a moneyline of -154, while the game's total is set at 8.0 runs, reflecting expectations of potential offensive struggles.

Heading into Week 12 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, five notable players are under scrutiny for their performance. Tyler Mahle of the Texas Rangers had an impressive start with a 1.47 ERA but has since struggled, currently on the injured list with shoulder soreness. Despite this downturn, he should be held in most leagues due to potential recovery.

Matt Shaw from the Chicago Cubs showed promise after a Triple-A stint but has recently hit a slump, suggesting a possible drop if he doesn't regain form. Lars Nootbaar of the St. Louis Cardinals has been in a significant slump and may warrant being dropped. Kansas City Royals prospect Jac Caglianone is not producing at the MLB level yet but should be held due to his strong minor league performance and potential upside.

Lastly, Matthew Liberatore of the Cardinals has seen regression, and fantasy managers should consider trading him while there's still some value, particularly after his next start. The analysis reveals a critical juncture for these players as fantasy managers weigh their options.

In the fantasy baseball world, finding effective pitchers on the waiver wire can be a game-changer. This week, focus on Matthew Liberatore, who despite some recent struggles, has shown improved control and an advantageous matchup against the White Sox. Grant Holmes is another intriguing option; his slider has been effective, especially against the Marlins. Jose Soriano is worth a look after a stellar outing with 12 strikeouts, while Clarke Schmidt and Zack Littell are both set to face strikeout-prone lineups. Young pitchers like Ben Brown and Slade Cecconi are also on the radar with their two-start weeks. Finally, Sandy Alcantara’s recent control over his pitching might make him more reliable even against tough opponents, and Will Warren's recent scoreless outing suggests potential upside.

Matthew Liberatore, the promising left-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, faced a challenging outing against the Kansas City Royals, conceding seven earned runs in just four innings of work. Despite entering the game with a solid 3.08 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP over his previous 11 starts, he exited early due to health concerns—specifically fatigue-related issues, as confirmed by the team's medical staff. This incident raises questions about his durability and potential impact on the Cardinals' pitching rotation moving forward.

Before this game, Liberatore's performance had shown significant improvement from previous seasons, sparking hope for his development as a key contributor for the Cardinals. His ERA was among the best in baseball, and fans were optimistic about his future. However, with injuries potentially lingering, the Cardinals may need to adjust their plans, especially with a crucial series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the horizon.

Matthew Liberatore's recent outing for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Kansas City Royals ended prematurely due to fatigue, leaving his performance in question. The 25-year-old left-hander struggled, giving up seven runs over four-plus innings, marking a season high. His last two starts have been notably poor, with a total of twelve runs allowed. While Liberatore initially earned a rotation spot, this recent trend raises concerns about his stamina and future role with the team.

In his previous outing against the Texas Rangers, he allowed five runs in five innings. The Cardinals, now with mounting pressure, must decide how to manage Liberatore's workload moving forward. His ERA, while respectable at 2.42 since mid-April, may not reflect his current struggles.