Holliday Takes Successful Batting Practice, Garcia Re-inserted Into Rotation
Matt Holliday took live batting practice for the first time in over a month, on Friday morning. Jen Langosch reports that the Cardinals want him to take one more session before they activate him from the disabled list this weekend. Also, it was announced today that Jaime Garcia will start Monday, and Luke Weaver is being sent to the bullpen. What does this mean for the Cardinals?
Let’s start with the news about Holliday. It is likely that, after a successful batting practice Friday, he will make it through the second session, that the Cardinals recommended for him, with no problems. If so, he would probably be activated before the final home-stand next week. Though he is not expected to start right away, I can see Matheny getting him as many at bats off the bench as he can, for the first few games. After that, if all goes well, I expect St. Louis to get him in the lineup. With Brandon Moss falling off fast lately, Holliday could provide a much needed spark, and the team will want to see what he can bring before the playoffs begin.
Maybe the most important thing though, is we now, hopefully, have not seen Matt Holliday’s last at bat, in a Cardinal uniform. The club has a $17 million option to pick up his contract for next year, and it is debated on whether or not they will exercise the option. So, after seven years of playing for the Cardinals, it will be nice to at least see him step into the box, and receive a much deserved standing ovation.
Now for the Jaime Garcia news. The team announced Friday morning that he will replace Luke Weaver, in the starting rotation, and take the mound on Monday. Weaver will be moved to the bullpen, and Adam Wainwright will be pushed back to Tuesday. Garcia has been less than impressive this season, posting a 4.59 ERA, though he did pitch four solid innings, out of the pen, on Wednesday. Hopefully, for the sake of the Cardinals making postseason play, Garcia will turn things around on Monday, and at least give the team a chance to win. These games are too important to stick with him through another blowout, so if he struggles early, we will likely see Weaver come in and take over, much like Alex Reyes did, after Garcia’s last start.
Jaime Garcia has struggled this season, posting a 4.59 ERA, and a 10-12 record.
St. Louis lost a half game on both the Mets and Giants Thursday, as both teams won while the Redbirds took the day off. The Cards will face the Cubs, behind Mike Leake, on Friday night, in hopes of continuing their dominance at Wrigley, where they are 5-2 this season. With ten games left, after failing to sweep the Rockies, and losing the wild card spot, the Cardinals need to go into every last game, with a must win mindset.
