The 2023 season is going to be a big test for the St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Jack Flaherty.
Flaherty has struggled with his health in recent years, as well as on the mound.
His 2021 and 2022 seasons were limited due to nagging injuries, and he hasn’t pitched more than 80 innings since 2019, with 2020 being shortened due to the pandemic.
St. Louis also did not add a big-name starting pitcher this offseason, putting their faith in the young right-hander and hoping he can remain healthy.
On Twitter, a Cardinals fan discussed Flaherty’s outlook, expressing concern based on his recent body of work, but also acknowledging that if he is healthy, the ace potential is there.
2023 is going to be a big test for Jack Flaherty.
Jack hasn’t pitched more than 80 innings since 2019, and he hasn’t looked particularly good since then either.
If he can stay healthy, the ace potential is still there. #STLCards
— Cards Convo ™ (@CardinalsConvo) February 10, 2023
Flaherty’s health is the X-factor for the Cardinals as they enter the 2023 season.
As this fan alluded to, Flaherty can be dominant if healthy.
But the Cardinals have still banked a lot on their rotation, which is full of question marks.
In addition to Flaherty, Steven Matz missed most of the season due to injuries.
Adam Wainwright also endured a rough September that cost him his spot in the postseason rotation, and the team did not replace the now-departed Jose Quintana.
But Flaherty’s health is the key.
If he returns to his 2019 second-half form, then the Cardinals have their top-of-the-rotation starter, which could help them return to their status as a World Series contender.
If he struggles or can’t remain healthy, the Cardinals are going to have a lot of problems in their rotation and will need to acquire a starter before the trade deadline.
NEXT: The Cardinals Will Be Well Represented In The WBC
