The St. Louis Cardinals have been without starter Steven Matz since the beginning of May, but it appears he's not far off a return.

Skipper Oli Marmol provided a huge injury update on the lefty Saturday. Via John Denton:

“#STLCards manager Oli Marmol said that LHP Steven Matz, who has been out since May 3, is scheduled to throw “a full intensity bullpen” on Monday. How the protruding disc in his back feels after that will determine if he is sent out on a Minor League rehab assignment, Marmol said.”

As mentioned, Matz has been dealing with a back injury. Those can be tricky, therefore the Cardinals will be cautious with his rehab. He's already thrown a couple of bullpens but it sounds like this one will be full throttle. After that, a minor league assignment could follow if his back responds well. Andre Pallante is filling his spot in the rotation.

Before Matz went on the shelf, he was struggling, going just 1-2 with a steep 6.18 ERA in six starts, striking out 17 in 27.2 innings while walking 11. Last year, Matz was a lot better with St. Louis though, compiling a 3.86 ERA in 105 innings. He's definitely capable.

Cardinals trying to get rotation in order

Article Continues Below
More St. Louis Cardinals News
St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) and pitching coach Dusty Blake (90) look to the stands after the Cardinals defeat the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
Cardinals’ Oliver Marmol makes confident prediction on unfortunate IL moveBenjamin Adducchio ·
St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) on the field to change pitchers against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at Truist Park.
Oliver Marmol’s 1-word description of Cardinals’ top-ranking offenseQuinn Allen ·
May 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (21) reacts against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images. Nootbaar had a home run and two RBI against the Orioles.
Lars Nootbaar’s perfect take on breaking out of slump with 3-hit gameMike Gianakos ·
rangers, Adolis García
1 player Texas Rangers must trade before 2025 deadlineGarrett Kerman ·
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) falls in to the crowd after catching a foul ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium.
Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado reveals breathing problem after heroic play vs. DiamondbacksBrayden Haena ·
St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) on the field to change pitchers against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at Truist Park.
Oliver Marmol sends ‘patient’ message on young Cardinals star itching to break outBenjamin Adducchio ·

The Cardinals had a 4.23 ERA in May and overall, own a 4.12 ERA on the season. That ranks 19th in the Majors. Their rotation has a 4.31 ERA, which isn't exactly anything to write home about. Sure, Matz wasn't pitching well, but he is an experienced arm who has a track record of success in the big leagues.

Outside of Sonny Gray (3.00 ERA), no one has been that impressive in the rotation. While St. Louis isn't thriving offensively, their pitching isn't helping the case, either. The Cards currently sit at 27-29, seven games out of first place in the National League Central.

Right now, St. Louis doesn't have a left-hander in the rotation, with all righties taking the hill. It's important to have variety and Matz gives the Cardinals just that. He's never been an elite arm at the big league level but as we saw in 23′, the veteran can be consistent.

The Cardinals will be looking to salvage a win in their series finale with the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday night.