Sure! Here’s a paraphrased version of the passage that keeps the tone and meaning intact, while using different phrasing:
While the move may seem bold and innovative on the surface, there’s a reason why many are ridiculing the St. Louis Cardinals for their decision to implement a six-man rotation. In a recent piece for the Belleville News-Democrat, Jeff Jones explored manager Oli Marmol’s reasoning behind the change. Marmol is aiming to bring Steven Matz back into the starting rotation without having to bump fellow lefty Matthew Liberatore.
Even though pitchers like Sonny Gray, Andre Pallante, Erick Fedde, and to some degree Liberatore have gotten off to solid starts this season, Miles Mikolas has been shaky, and Matz is still transitioning back from bullpen duty. Meanwhile, the Cardinals sit at 9-10 in what’s arguably the weakest division in the National League. A six-man rotation could further strain an already vulnerable bullpen.
Marmol explained that the move is meant to help prevent injuries over the course of the season, but that approach may not be the most effective. As he put it:
“You do everything you can to keep guys healthy. Every organization is trying to do that. And then baseball happens, and you can’t control it, right? So it’s unfortunate, but you have to continue to get guys ready and plan for that – and not that.”
While St. Louis has generally seen solid performances from its pitching staff so far, every decision regarding the rotation or bullpen could shape the team’s trajectory as the season unfolds. If the offense starts to click, it might relieve some of the burden on the arms. If not, this strategy could backfire.
Let me know if you’d like it shortened, more formal, or rewritten in a different tone!
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