Cardinals could reportedly acquire Rays hurler for role as No. 2 starter

The St. Louis Cardinals could be on the verge of adding a key pitcher to their rotation.

St. Louis was tied with the San Diego Padres for the third and final spot in the National League Wild Card entering Thursday, which means Cardinals general manager Mike Girsch will be looking for deadline additions to help his team gain separation.

St. Louis has a clear need in its rotation, but with a handful of options available on the market, it's difficult to know who will be available to Girsch when it comes time to buy.

One starter who could end up in a Cardinals uniform by the end of the week is Zach Eflin of the Tampa Bay Rays.

On Thursday, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand zeroed in on Eflin as a potential fit for the Cardinals.

"Sonny Gray has been solid in his first year with St. Louis, but the Cardinals are in need of a No. 2 starter to slot ahead of Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn," Feinsand said. "Tampa Bay’s Zach Eflin could fit the bill, though other starters are likely to become available as the Deadline draws closer."

Eflin was the American League wins leader in 2023. The 30-year-old hurler is 5-7 this season with a 4.09 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 110 innings pitched.

Will Girsch make a deal for Eflin, or will the Cardinals end up with another starter on the market?

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