Flaherty's exit from Thursday's game against the Angels was not due to the comebacker that hit his left hand, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty was lit up Thursday, yielding 10 earned runs over just 2.1 innings, so it's easy to believe poor performance was the reason for his early exit. Flaherty will likely be able to make his next scheduled start, though the team may still keep an eye on his hand as a precaution.

Flaherty was lifted from his start Thursday against the Angels after taking a comebacker off his left hand, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

The good news is that the injury is to Flaherty's non-throwing hand, and he didn't appear to be in too much pain. The bad news is that he was charged with 10 earned runs on nine hits and two walks over just 2.1 frames as his season ERA ballooned from 3.94 ERA all the way to 6.29. Flaherty's next turn through the rotation lines up to come next week against the Cubs, and he should be considered day-to-day until the Cardinals update his status.

Flaherty (2-3) allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven over 4.2 innings, taking the loss Friday versus the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty also hit one batter. He needed 110 pitches (68 strikes) to record 14 outs. The right-hander was effectively wild earlier in the season, but he's now allowed at least three runs in three straight games and a home run in four straight outings despite cutting back on the walks. He's posted a 3.94 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 33:21 K:BB across 32 innings over six starts. Flaherty's next outing is projected for a home start versus the Angels next week.

Flaherty (2-2) allowed three runs on five hits and two walks over six innings Sunday, striking out nine and earning a win over Seattle.

EDGE Analysis

All three runs against Flaherty came during the second inning, including Jarred Kelenic's solo homer. After that, Flaherty gave up just one hit over four shutout frames. He set new season highs with nine punchouts and 23 whiffs; his previous highs in those categories were six and 12, respectively. Since walking 13 batters in his first two outings, Flaherty has posted a 19:6 K:BB over his last three starts. He'll carry a 3.29 ERA into his next start, which is currently lined up to be a road matchup with the Dodgers.

Flaherty (1-2) took the loss Monday, allowing four runs on four hits and three walks over six innings against the Diamondbacks. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty allowed a leadoff double to Josh Rojas and an RBI single to Ketel Marte to start the game, but he escaped the frame with back-to-back groundouts, including a double-play. The right-hander proceeded to toss five solid frames before getting pulled after allowing the first three hitters in the seventh to reach, including a leadoff homer by Marte. Cardinals reliever Andre Pallante couldn't stop the momentum and served up a grand slam to Pavin Smith, adding two more runs to Flaherty's line. Overall, it was mixed results for Flaherty, who posted season highs in innings and runs allowed. Through four starts (21.1 innings), he has a 2.95 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP with as many strikeouts (17) as walks.

Flaherty did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing one earned run on five hits and one walk over 5.1 innings during a 7-4 win over the Rockies. He struck out six.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty allowed a leadoff homer to Jurickson Profar in the first, but he was able to lock in after that and recorded nine consecutive outs at one point. The right-hander surrendered an unearned run in the fourth due to a passed ball by Willson Contreras, but he was still in line for the win after getting pulled in the sixth with one out and runners on second and third. Zack Thompson got out of the jam, so no more runs were charged to Flaherty, who's had mixed results to start the campaign. Through three outings (15.1 innings), Flaherty has given up just three earned runs on nine hits, but he's walked 14 compared to just 13 strikeouts.

Flaherty (1-1) was charged with the loss Friday in Milwaukee after he gave up two runs on four hits and six walks across five innings. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

The Brewers tallied two runs on three hits and two walks during the third inning Friday, but Flaherty was otherwise able to limit the damage. The right-hander threw 50 of his 94 pitches for strikes and has now walked 13 batters through his first two starts of the season. Though he's allowed just two runs on four singles in 10 frames, it's only a matter of time before the free passes come around to score if Flaherty is unable to more consistently find the zone.

Flaherty (1-0) picked up the win Saturday, throwing five no-hit, scoreless innings and striking out four but walking a career-high seven batters in a 4-1 victory over the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander also hit a batter with a pitch and ultimately threw only 49 of 95 pitches for strikes, but Flaherty was able to wriggle out of every jam he created. Making the win even more remarkable, the Cards' go-ahead runs in the third inning were all unearned as Kevin Gausman was posting excellent numbers for the Jays. Flaherty hasn't worked more than 78.1 innings in a season since 2019 due to various injuries, so his inability to find the plate consistently in his 2023 debut is at least a little concerning. The 27-year-old's next turn lines up for a series next weekend in Milwaukee.

Flaherty allowed two runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out four over 4.2 innings in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game versus the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty put a bit too much traffic on the bases, which shortened his outing. He threw 57 of 90 pitches for strikes, which suggests that he's entering 2023 fully healthy and ready for a starter's workload after an injury-plagued 2022. The right-hander should get one more spring start before lining up to pitch in the opening series versus the Blue Jays.

Flaherty (calf/illness) has been cleared to start Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty is expected to cover around three innings or 45-to-50 pitches before giving way to southpaw Steven Matz, who is likely to handle a similar workload in relief. A bout with calf discomfort and then flu-like symptoms resulted in Flaherty's spring debut being pushed back a few days, but the 27-year-old right-hander looks well on his way to being ready to go for Opening Day.