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Cardinals No. 2 Prospect Dominant Amid Miles Mikolas’ Struggles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By A. Kazmierczak | Last updated Aug 8, 2025 4:36 PM ET

Much like the St. Louis Cardinals themselves, veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas has had an up-and-down year.

The 36-year old was dreadful Tuesday night, surrendering five runs in three innings during a 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his two prior starts, Mikolas allowed two runs across 11 innings, including a shutout performance against the San Diego Padres on July 25.

"Sometimes it feels like you're taking two steps forward and one step back." Mikolas said Friday on The Morning After STL podcast. "Which can really frustrating as a player."

Mikolas' three-year, $55.75 Million contract he signed with St. Louis is up at the end of the year. He likely hasn't done enough to warrant a new deal, especially as Chain Boom succeeds John Mozeliak as the team's president of baseball operations.

After seeming to launch themselves into a full rebuild mode at the trade deadline, the Cardinals took two of three from the Dodgers and are five and a half games out of the final wild card spot. They're even bringing back legend Yadier Molina or provide some guidance for this weekend's crucial series against the rival Chicago Cubs.

In the midst of this surge, the Cardinals are likely facing a decision with Mikolas. Continue to trot him out to the mound once a week, hoping for the best, or replace him.

Enter Cardinals No. 2 prospect Quinn Matthews.

The 24-year old southpaw seems to have rebounded from left shoulder soreness earlier this season and has been tearing up Triple-A opponents. Thursday, Matthews logged his fourth scoreless start for the Memphis Redbirds, striking out nine Durham Bulls batters across seven innings.

In 15 starts with Memphis this season, Matthews is 3-4 with a 3.63 ERA. He's struck out 72 batters in 62 innings pitched this season. This coming off a season in which he punched out 202 batters on the way to earning Minor League Pitching Prospect of the Year honors.

Perhaps the only thing holding Matthews back from being promoted is his control. He's issued 50 walks in 67 innings across three levels of minor league ball, and his WHIP is 1.51. If Matthews can cut down on the free passes, a promotion should be right around the corner.

Mikolas isn't in line to pitch this weekend against the Cubs. His next scheduled start is Monday at home against the Colorado Rockies, and then likely Sunday, August 17 against the New York Yankees.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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