The St. Louis Cardinals are nearing the completion of their first rotation through the starting staff in the 2026 Major League Baseball season. Tuesday marks the end of that initial cycle, following mixed results from the rotation.

Early Season Rotation Performance

Strong Starts to Open the Year

On Opening Day, Steven Liberatore delivered a solid performance, pitching five innings and conceding only one run against the Tampa Bay Rays. The following game saw a strong showing from McGreevy, who threw six no-hit innings versus Tampa Bay.

Recent Struggles and Pitching Depth

However, the subsequent two starts were less successful for the Cardinals. Dustin May struggled in his debut as a Cardinal, allowing six earned runs over four innings against Tampa Bay. Kyle Leahy followed up by surrendering four runs across five innings in Monday's series opener against the New York Mets.

Cardinals Bolster Pitching Depth

Acquisitions Bolster the Roster

A significant positive for St. Louis this season is the enhanced pitching depth, largely due to offseason trades. The team acquired prospects such as Brandon Clarke and Jurrangelo Cijntje.

Additionally, St. Louis brought in established major league arms, including Richard Fitts and Hunter Dobbins. This depth provides valuable options should injuries arise or current pitchers falter.

Dobbins' Recovery Timeline

Richard Fitts did not make the major league roster out of Spring Training but is prepared at Triple-A. Hunter Dobbins, however, has been managed carefully throughout Spring Training.

This caution stems from the fact that Dobbins tore his ACL last season while playing for the Boston Red Sox. A photo from February 16, 2026, showed Dobbins working out in Jupiter, FL, alongside catcher Grayson Tarlow.

The Rehab Assignment Begins

Official Confirmation and Next Steps

On Monday, the Cardinals announced positive news regarding Dobbins' recovery. President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom confirmed that Dobbins will commence a Triple-A rehab assignment starting Tuesday.

As reported by Guerrero on X, Bloom stated, "Hunter Dobbins is set to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Class AAA Memphis." Guerrero added that Dobbins built up his arm during spring training but faced limitations in fielding drills while recovering from the ACL tear.

Implications for the Roster

Dobbins starting a minor league rehab assignment officially starts the clock for the organization. Following the assignment, the Cardinals must either add him to the big league roster or, more likely, option him to Triple-A Memphis.

Regardless of the immediate placement, Dobbins is making tangible progress. If the Cardinals' rotation continues to face difficulties, it would not be surprising to see Dobbins earn a major league opportunity relatively early this season.