Hunter

Dobbins

Both Dobbins and Milwaukee’s Robert Gasser were brought up to make a spot start in the twin billing Tuesday, and Gasser was considerably more effective (7 2/3 IP, 2 ER) in a game the Cardinals ended up losing by eight runs. Dobbins wasn’t abhorrent, however, and a two-run single in the fifth by Andy Lara turned what was a very solid effort into a mediocre one. Dobbins is likely to head back to Triple-A now, but is worth streaming consideration when he faces lineups worse than the Brewers when he gets another chance.

Dobbins will be used as the starter for Game 2. The 26-year-old has a 3.63 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and a 19/7 K/BB ratio over 17 1/3 innings with the Cardinals this season and has also posted a 3.79 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 44/18 K/BB ratio in 59 1/3 innings at Triple-A this year. There is not a lot of strikeout upside here, but he has a case to remain in the Cardinals’ rotation if he pitches well on Tuesday.

It’s unclear if the plan is for Dobbins to return to the rotation at the Triple-A level, or if he’ll be back to make another start with the Cardinals in relatively short order. The 26-year-old hurler holds a 3.63 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and a 19/7 K/BB ratio over 17 1/3 innings with the Cardinals this season.

Dobbins struck out five and walked none, but he gave up nine hard-hit balls, including homers to Bo Bichette and Jared Young in the first. This leaves Dobbins with a 3.63 ERA in two relief appearances and two starts for the Cardinals. He’ll likely start again Wednesday against the Padres.

Dobbins figures to jump into St. Louis’ rotation at some point during next week’s three-game series against the Mets as they move to a six-man mix moving forward. The 26-year-old has posted a 2.77 ERA and 14/7 K/BB ratio across 13 innings over three appearances since coming off the injured list last month. He struck out six over five shutout frames in relief against the Reds on Friday night.

Dobbins, who was called up in the afternoon, came into a 5-0 game in the sixth and threw 61 pitches to finish it, allowing only an Alex Bregman homer along the way. That’s the good news. The bad is that because he threw 61 pitches, he’s probably looking at being swapped out for a fresh arm on Monday.

Dobbins was scheduled to start at Triple-A Memphis on Sunday, instead he’ll join the big league club to presumably work as a long man out of the bullpen. The 26-year-old right-hander holds a 6.23 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and a 4/5 K/BB ratio over 4 1/3 innings in his lone appearance with the Cardinals this season.

Dobbins made his season debut yesterday after last season’s ACL surgery. He allowed three runs on two hits in 4 1/3 innings but walked five, which is to be expected after such a long layoff. The 26-year-old is arguably the best starting pitcher in the Cardinals’ rotation, so it’s a bit of a surprise that he would be sent back down after one start. He should be back up shortly.

Dobbins also struck out five in the no-decision, which St. Louis went on to win 10-5. The right-hander was making his Cardinals debut after working back from last season’s ACL tear with the Red Sox. Acquired in an offseason trade for Willson Contreras, Dobbins mostly represents pitching depth for this staff. His next start could come at home against the Brewers if he remains in the rotation.

Dobbins, who has been rehabbing from last year’s ACL surgery, will make his season debut on Thursday in a start against the Pirates. Last season with the Red Sox, Dobbins emerged as a low-strikeout streamer in fantasy baseball due to his deep pitch mix and good command of the strike zone. He could continue to be a streamer this season with the Cardinals, but we likely wouldn’t start him in his first game off the IL.