The St. Louis Cardinals once again found their schedule at the mercy of Mother Nature, with forecast prompting a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox. But for a team that’s had to shuffle its pitching plans more than once this season, the timing couldn’t have worked out better. With rain threatening the series, the Cardinals had a perfect solution ready to go: right-hander was not only on regular rest, but already penciled in for a start early next week. Instead, his services came a few days early — and just in time.
The club’s 2021 first-round pick, stepped into the second game of the doubleheader without missing a beat. He was originally lined up to take the mound on June 24 when the division-rival Cubs come to town, but with the weather reshuffling the deck, the 24-year-old slotted in seamlessly. It was a fortunate alignment of circumstances, one that gave the Cardinals both flexibility and stability in a high-pressure, quick-turnaround situation.
This kind of adaptability could prove crucial for a Cardinals team that has defied expectations. While much of the baseball world anticipated a rebuilding season centered around rising stars like Jordan Walker, St. Louis has kept its foot in the postseason race. Moves like deploying McGreevy in this kind of spot not only help them navigate logistical challenges but also give young arms a stage to shine on.
With the July trade deadline looming and key decisions ahead, the Cardinals are walking a tightrope between retooling and contending. But Thursday’s doubleheader showed they’re equipped to handle whatever comes their way — rain clouds included. And if McGreevy continues to deliver when his number is called, he might just play a bigger role in shaping St. Louis’ playoff push than anyone expected.