It is no secret that the St. Louis Cardinals pitching staff struggled in the first half of the season. Injuries, combined with a lack of control, led to the team having just the 17th best ERA (4.27) in the first half of the season. The staff also finished 21st in FIP (4.42) and dead last in xFIP (4.85) while also allowing the highest walk rate in the league.
Things have improved for the Cardinals pitching staff in the second half of the season, following a few key acquisitions. Players like Luis Garcia and TJ McFarland have developed into key relievers and the deadline acquisitions of J.