Chris Paddack Winless in Miami and Running Out of Time to Save His Rotation Spot

Chris Paddack is 0 for 3 to start the season, and the Marlins aren't waiting much longer for him to figure it out. The right-hander takes the mound Tuesday against the Cardinals in the second game of a three-game series after Miami's 5-3 win on Monday, but the pressure is mounting. With an ERA sitting at 5.59, Paddack is Miami's only starting pitcher above the 4.50 mark, and the organization has reinforcements warming up in the minors. Thomas White and Robby Snelling, the club's top two left-handed prospects, are a phone call away.

Paddack Has History Against St. Louis, But the Numbers Are Thin

Here's the thing: Paddack has actually performed well against the Cardinals historically. He's 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in three career starts against St. Louis, but that record comes from just 13 2/3 innings of work. The last time he faced them was way back in 2021. Last season, bouncing between Minnesota and Detroit, Paddack went 5-12 with a 5.35 ERA. This year hasn't been any kinder. He needs to flip the script fast or the Marlins will have no choice but to make a change.

Cardinals Bring Firepower and Recent Form

The Cardinals will counter with right-hander Dustin May, a 28-year-old who signed a one-year, $12.5 million deal with St. Louis back in December. May is 2-2 with a 6.98 ERA overall, but he's been much sharper lately. In his last two appearances, he's allowed just four runs, three earned, across 12 innings. His first two starts were rough, no question, but he's trending in the right direction. St. Louis is 2-2 in May's starts.

The Cardinals are coming off a loss, dropping the series opener 5-3 on Monday and snapping a five-game winning streak. Outfielder Jordan Walker went 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs but couldn't prevent the defeat. Walker is riding a 15-game hitting streak, just two shy of his career-high 17 set back in 2023.

Miami's Offense Keeping Pace

The Marlins made the difference Monday night with timely hitting. Shortstop Otto Lopez drove in the go-ahead run with a double in the sixth and scored twice overall. Designated hitter Liam Hicks went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Both are swinging it well: Lopez sits at a .945 OPS and Hicks is at .929. Second baseman Xavier Edwards is also doing his part with a .905 OPS. Manager Clayton McCullough is getting contributions up and down the lineup, and that depth could be what carries Miami if Paddack can finally get a win.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.