The good news for the Cardinals: Their pitching staff is healthier than many others.
With starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (groin muscle) and reliever Wilking Rodriguez (shoulder) working their way back in minor league rehab assignments, only reliever Packy Naughton (forearm) is on the shelf for weeks to come.
The bad news for the Cardinals: Their pitching is not good. While the starters have made recent progress, their relievers have faltered. The team's 4.59 staff ERA ranks 20th in the majors.
Writing for Baseball Prospectus, Janice Scurio raised concerns about Miles Mikolas:
Mikolas’ start to the season has been troubled; his velocity has been down in his last few starts.