ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The Cardinals announced Friday left-handed starting pitcher Steven Matz has been placed on the 15-day Injured List with a lower back strain with a retroactive to May 1st.
As a corresponding move, the Cardinals have recalled right-handed pitcher Kyle Leahy, who was the Cardinals 27th man for their doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers earlier this week.
Matz had another rough showing in his latest start against the Tigers, pitching only 3.1 innings, allowing seven hits, four earned runs, with one being a home run by right fielder Wenceel Perez and striking out only one batter on 73 pitches.
After the game, the Cardinals revealed Matz was playing through some discomfort and “tightening” in his back following his previous start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but he felt confident to pitch the second of the doubleheader Tuesday.
Matz reportedly went through an MRI on Thursday to determine the severity.
With Matz being moved to the IL, it's free up a rotation spot, potentially for Matthew Liberatore.
Leahy has a only started four games since the end of the 2022 season, and none this season in the minors for the Cardinals Triple-A squad Memphis Redbirds.