A relief outing on Monday spanning 2 2/3 innings and 50 pitches provided a window into what Steven Matz could look like in a different role.
During the Cardinals’ 7-0 loss to the Royals at Busch Stadium, Matz gave up a run on two hits as he hit two batters and struck out four. The outing from the bullpen brought along some added velocity and some extra swing-and-miss.
“He was 96 (mph) yesterday out of the 'pen when he doesn't have to hold velocity for six, seven innings, right? He had a 40-something percent whiff rate on the sinker yesterday because of it,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said pregame Tuesday.