On March 29th, Matt Pushard allowed three earned runs on just 31 pitches during his brief major league debut, yet the Cardinals have now activated him, bringing their 40-man roster to 39, according to MLBTradeRumors. The Cardinals commit a valuable roster spot to a 28-year-old pitcher with a demonstrated inability to command the strike zone at the highest level, despite his high-velocity fastball.
Matt Pushard has struggled significantly in his limited major league appearances, but his impressive minor league track record and fastball velocity indicate a pitcher with untapped potential. The Cardinals are trading immediate performance for the potential long-term upside of a Rule 5 acquisition, hoping his talent will eventually translate to the big leagues.
- Matt Pushard, 28, made his big league debut on March 29th, allowing three earned runs on 31 pitches, according to MLBTradeRumors.
- His total output with the Cardinals includes a 5.14 ERA in seven innings, with six strikeouts against four walks, MLBTradeRumors reports.
- Pushard pitched 11.1 scoreless innings for Triple-A Jacksonville's title run, according to SI.
- In 2025, he posted a 3.61 ERA across 49 games, striking out 73 batters in 62.1 innings, SI notes.
- Pushard's fastball averages 94-96 mph, according to SI.
What is Matt Pushard's Untapped Potential?
Matt Pushard pitched 11.1 scoreless innings for Triple-A Jacksonville's title run, showcasing elite-level performance in the minors. In 2025, he maintained a 3.61 ERA across 49 games, striking out 73 batters in 62.1 innings, according to SI. His fastball averages 94-96 mph, demonstrating the physical tools that attract major league interest.
This stark contrast between Pushard's minor league success and his major league struggles, where he allowed three earned runs on 31 pitches in his debut and has an overall 5.14 ERA, suggests the Cardinals are betting heavily on these physical tools to eventually translate. The organization appears to prioritize his raw, high-velocity arm over immediate, reliable performance, despite clear evidence that his mental or command aspects are not yet major-league ready.
What Does Activating a Rule 5 Pick Mean for the Cardinals?
By activating Matt Pushard and filling one of their 40-man roster spots, the Cardinals view his 94-96 mph fastball and minor league strikeout rate as a unique, irreplaceable asset. The Cardinals' commitment to a 28-year-old Rule 5 pick with severe major league control issues shows the team's organizational need for high-velocity relief arms that they haven't been able to develop or acquire through other means. Pushard's major league output of six strikeouts against four walks in seven innings starkly contrasts his minor league strikeout rate of 73 batters in 62.1 innings, revealing that his high-velocity fastball isn't translating into effective command or swing-and-miss at the MLB level.
Activating Pushard shows the Cardinals' desperate need for high-octane relief pitching, even if it means nurturing a project with significant command issues. This strategy could squander a precious 40-man roster spot if Pushard cannot adapt to major league competition, potentially costing the team crucial bullpen stability through the 2026 season.
What is the Rule 5 Draft?
The Rule 5 Draft allows teams to select unprotected minor league players from other organizations, provided they keep the player on their 26-man active roster for the entire season. If the drafting team cannot keep the player on the active roster, they must offer the player back to their original team for a fee. The Marlins lost Pushard in this draft, making them the losing team in this transaction.
Who is Matt Pushard?
Matt Pushard is a 28-year-old relief pitcher who was a Rule 5 Draft selection by the Cardinals from the Marlins. He previously demonstrated strong performance in the minor leagues, including 11.1 scoreless innings for Triple-A Jacksonville. If the Cardinals cannot keep him on their 26-man roster, he must be offered back to the Marlins.
