The Cardinals had a pretty decent pitching staff last season. They finished 9th in ERA. Their WAR totals were lower – 21st in the game – but they also had 10% fewer innings pitched than everyone else. WAR calculations are cumulative, so all those 7-inning doubleheaders and canceled games cuts into their totals.
They also were forced into an extremely difficult roster situation. They dug deep into their stable of minor league arms to cobble together a staff that could survive the most rigorous schedule MLB has demanded of a team since the Dead Ball era.