Struggling Cardinals Veteran Pitcher Miles Mikolas Takes Backseat to Impressive Triple-A Prospect Quinn Matthews

In the midst of a tough season for the St. Louis Cardinals, all eyes have been on veteran pitcher Miles Mikolas as he continues to struggle on the mound. However, it seems that the spotlight may soon shift to the team’s No. 2 prospect, Quinn Matthews, who has been making waves in Triple-A.

Mikolas, who was expected to be a key player for the Cardinals this season, has been facing challenges on the field. With a 1-4 record and an ERA of 5.29, the 32-year-old has not been living up to expectations. This has left fans and analysts wondering if he will be able to turn things around and help the team make a push for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, in Triple-A, 22-year-old Quinn Matthews has been making a name for himself. The right-handed pitcher has been dominating on the mound, with a 2.45 ERA and 45 strikeouts in just 36.2 innings pitched. His impressive performance has caught the attention of the Cardinals organization and has many wondering if he will be called up to the major leagues soon.

While Mikolas may be struggling, the emergence of Matthews provides a glimmer of hope for the Cardinals. With his strong pitching and potential to make an impact at the highest level, he could be just what the team needs to turn their season around. As the Cardinals continue to monitor Matthews’ progress, fans eagerly await the possibility of seeing him in a Cardinals uniform.  

Cardinals No. 2 Prospect Dominant Amid Miles Mikolas’ Struggles

Is Cardinals’ No. 2 Prospect Quinn Matthews the Solution to Miles Mikolas’ Struggles?

The St. Louis Cardinals have had a rollercoaster of a season, and it seems like their veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas has been on the same ride. After a rough outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Mikolas bounced back with two solid starts. However, his inconsistency has been a source of frustration for the team.

In an interview on The Morning After STL podcast, Mikolas expressed his frustration with the ups and downs of his performance. As his three-year contract with the Cardinals comes to an end, it’s uncertain if he has done enough to earn a new deal, especially with the team’s new president of baseball operations, Chain Boom, taking over.

Despite seemingly entering a rebuild mode at the trade deadline, the Cardinals have managed to stay in the race for a wild card spot. They even brought back legendary catcher Yadier Molina to provide guidance for their crucial series against the Chicago Cubs.

But with Mikolas struggling, the team may have to make a decision about his role in the rotation. This is where Cardinals’ No. 2 prospect Quinn Matthews comes in.

The 24-year old left-hander has bounced back from a shoulder injury earlier this season and has been dominating Triple-A opponents. In his latest start, Matthews struck out nine batters in seven scoreless innings. He has a 3.63 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 62 innings with the Memphis Redbirds this season, following a stellar year in which he was named Minor League Pitching Prospect of the Year.

The only thing holding Matthews back from a promotion to the majors is his control, as he has issued 50 walks in 67 innings across three levels of minor league ball. If he can improve in this area, a call-up should be imminent.

Mikolas is not scheduled to pitch against the Cubs this weekend, but his next start is on Monday against the Colorado Rockies. If he continues to struggle, the Cardinals may turn to Matthews to fill his spot in the rotation.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared. 

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