The St. Louis Cardinals’ pitching rotation has suffered another significant setback as left-handed pitcher Zack Thompson has been placed on the 60-day injured list due to a left lat tear. This injury marks a major blow to the Cardinals’ pitching staff, which has already been grappling with multiple injuries affecting their rotation and bullpen.

Thompson, who has been dealing with a Grade 1 left lat strain since late March, was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 7. Despite efforts to return, including resuming throwing programs, Thompson experienced a setback and was shut down for over ten weeks. He returned to St. Louis for evaluation on May 23, but pain quickly reemerged, forcing the team to keep him sidelined with no clear timetable for his return.

This latest injury compounds the Cardinals’ ongoing struggles with their pitching depth. Another lefty, Matthew Liberatore, has been battling fatigue-related issues, with his fastball velocity dipping significantly during recent outings. Liberatore was lifted from a game after just four innings on June 5 and currently has an undetermined return date. Additionally, Quinn Mathews, a top pitching prospect, is sidelined with left shoulder soreness, and veteran lefty Tyler Matzek was recently signed to a minor league deal to provide some depth.

The Cardinals are also dealing with injuries beyond the pitching staff. Outfielder Jordan Walker is on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation and is expected to return no earlier than mid-June after receiving an injection and possibly requiring a minor league rehab assignment. These injuries come at a challenging time as the team navigates a pivotal stretch in the season.

Despite these setbacks, the Cardinals remain competitive in the National League Central Division. Their ability to manage the roster and find effective replacements for injured players will be critical in maintaining their standing and postseason aspirations.

The loss of Thompson to the 60-day IL underscores the fragility of the Cardinals’ rotation and the importance of depth in a long MLB season. With multiple left-handed pitchers sidelined, the team will need to rely on younger arms and recently recalled players such as RHP Riley O’Brien to fill the void. The Cardinals’ medical and coaching staff will be closely monitoring the progress of their injured players, hoping for timely recoveries to bolster the pitching staff as the season progresses.

In summary, the St. Louis Cardinals face a tough challenge as key left-handed pitcher Zack Thompson lands on the 60-day injured list with a lat tear, adding to an already injury-plagued rotation. The team’s resilience and strategic roster moves will be crucial in overcoming these hurdles and sustaining their competitive edge in the 2025 MLB season.