Matthew Liberatore Delivers Strong 2023 Debut
2 years agoSt. Louis Cardinals starting pitching prospect Matthew Liberatore is finding success at the topmost level of the minors. In his season debut this past week, he tossed five shutout innings, struck out seven batters, and earned the win. Success is nothing new for Liberatore, who generated 9.08 K/9, 3.21 BB/9, and a 4.27 xFIP in Triple-A last year. He eventually earned a call to the majors, going 2-2 while limiting home runs but struggling to locate the strike zone. It was pretty evident that he would benefit from starting 2023 in the minors, but the Cardinals can only hold him down so long. Within another quality start or two, Liberatore should rejoin the big-league squad. Liberatore is still working on refining his velocity, but he currently sits low-to-mid-90s with his fastball and sinker. These offerings allow him to set the tone in at-bats, but what really keeps hitters on edge is the threat of his curveball, which far and away grades out as his best pitch. He locates it nicely and has no trouble using it to generate swings and misses.
Source: FanGraphs
Source: FanGraphs