St. Louis Cardinals Projected Starting Rotation for MLB Playoffs

The St. Louis Cardinals made a second half run because of their starting rotation. This is the clear strength of their team, and with the way it's lined up, they'll give the Atlanta Braves everything they can handle. Here's a look at the Cardinals' projected starting rotation for the playoffs.

4. Game 4: RHP Miles Mikolas

Last year, the unquestioned top starter for the Cardinals was Miles Mikolas. However, he's had his struggles in 2019, as he owns a 4.16 ERA over 32 starts. Mikolas has pitched much better lately, which is why he's even getting a start for St. Louis. Mikolas went seven innings and allowed just three runs to this Braves team back in May. He's certainly a top-flight No. 4 starter.

3. Game 3: RHP Dakota Hudson

Dakota Hudson doesn't get a ton of attention, but he's been the Cardinals' most consistent starter this year, owning a 16-7 record with a 3.35 ERA over 33 starts. His stuff won't blow you away, but the Cardinals rookie can give you innings and shut the opposing lineup down with ease.

2. Game 2: RHP Jack Flaherty

This seems odd considering Jack Flaherty has been the best pitcher in the game in the second half of the season (7-2 with a 0.91 ERA in last 15 starts), but since he pitched on the last day of the regular season (and threw 69 pitches, not a fully-restricted workload), it appears he's going to start Game 2 in the NLDS for St. Louis. Of course, if the Cardinals advance, I'd assume he'd get Game 1, but for right now, he settles in for the second game.

1. Game 1: RHP Adam Wainwright

He may not be the ace of old, but Adam Wainwright can still get it done at age 38. Wainwright has been nails in the month of September, posting a 5-1 record with a 2.97 ERA, and with his postseason pedigree (3.03 ERA in 24 postseason appearances), he'll definitely give the Redbirds a chance to come out on top in this initial series.