'We're In The Balancing Act' Cardinals' Decision On Flaherty's Postseason Readiness Looms

CBS St. Louis

October 13, 2021

After the Cardinals squeezed in rehabbing starter Jack Flaherty for a scheduled short start in Game 2 of Friday’s doubleheader at Wrigley Field, there wasn’t an obvious spot for him to reside in the team’s pitching mix moving forward.

A spot in the rotation, his customary role, wasn’t a solution considering the lack of build-up for his stamina following a shoulder ailment that landed him on the injured list for a spell. High-leverage relief didn’t present an ideal answer, either, given the club’s desire to slowly integrate Flaherty back into action with a keen eye fixed upon his long-term health.

So Cardinals manager Mike Shildt declared ahead of the Milwaukee series this week that Flaherty would be available out of the Cardinals bullpen, referring to the pitcher’s situation as “fluid.” While the Cardinals wanted to see more from Flaherty following his intentionally brief outing on Friday night, game situation and flow of the series would dictate the circumstances of his next appearance.

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