Phillies vs Cardinals Pick: Philly Sends Ace Wheeler to the Mound (Apr 13)

• Our MLB Phillies vs Cardinals pick analyzes Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler taking on St. Louis’ Matthew Liberatore
• The Phillies have stumbled slightly after a 6-1 start
• Not much is expected from the Cardinals this season, and they have been predictably mediocre
• The teams split the first two games of their weekend series

Wheeler Hopes to Rebound From Poor Start

Though Jesus Luzardo has gotten off to an excellent start in 2025, Zack Wheeler is the Phillies’ unquestioned ace. The righty finished second for the National League Cy Young Award twice in his time in Philly. He dominated in his first two starts this season, throwing 13 innings, giving up 2 runs and 5 hits, and striking out 18.

However, in his last start against the Braves, he got touched up for 5 runs, 8 hits in 5.1 innings.

The Cardinals have had some success against Wheeler. Nolan Arenado is 5 for 20, all singles. Luken Baker is 1 for 2 with a home run. Nolan Gorman is 3 for 11 with a home run.

Kyle Schwarber has been on fire since the start of the season with a .288/.422/.692 slash and 6 homers. Nick Castellanos has gotten hot after a slow start and is at .308. Edmundo Sosa is batting .458 in 24 at-bats.

Liberatore Has Never Met His Lofty Potential

Matthew Liberatore joined St. Louis in a retrospectively atrocious trade where St. Louis sent Randy Arozarena to the Rays. A former first-round pick, the lefty has a career 5.04 ERA and a -0.7 bWAR in 93 big league appearances, including 26 starts.

St. Louis is giving Liberatore his first extended chance at being a starter. He’s pitched poorly so far, surrendering 8 runs in 12.1 innings. On the positive end, he has not issued a walk yet this season.

The Cardinals’ offense has been inconsistent. Ivan Herrera has 4 homers and is batting .381. Brendan Donovan. is hitting .357 with 2 homers. Willson Contreras has been horrific, batting .132. Masyn Wynn is batting .222 and has struck out 16 times in 45 at-bats.

Alec Bohm has a .400 career batting average against Liberatore, with a triple. Trea Turner is 2 for 3 with a home run. Schwarber is 0 for 6 with 5 K’s.

Phillies vs Cardinals Pick: Philly’s Bats Overwhelm Liberatore and Wheeler Deals

Liberatore doesn’t walk anyone, and he keeps the ball in the park. Still, the Phillies are hitting well and will score against him. Wheeler will rebound from his previous start and pitch well against the Cardinals, helping Philly get the win by at least 2 runs.