The St. Louis Cardinals have fully embraced a rebuilding phase, making sweeping changes to their roster during the offseason. Several high-profile players were moved in trades, including Willson Contreras, Brendan Donovan, Sonny Gray, and Nolan Arenado. These departures signaled a clear shift in direction for the franchise, as the team transitions away from its previous core and begins shaping a new identity for the future.
As a result of these moves, the Cardinals now feature a significantly altered lineup compared to recent years. The current roster lacks the same level of star power and experience that once made the team a consistent contender. Instead, the focus appears to be on evaluating new talent and building toward long-term success rather than immediate results.
Among the players brought in during this transition is right-handed pitcher Dustin May, who previously spent time with both the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers. His arrival was seen as a low-risk move with potential upside, as the Cardinals hoped he could rediscover his form and contribute to the rotation.
However, the early results have been far from encouraging. May’s start to the 2026 season has been nothing short of disastrous, placing him in an unfortunate category in franchise history. Through his first two appearances, he has posted a staggering 15.95 earned run average, marking the worst start by a Cardinals pitcher in more than 30 years.
His struggles began in his first outing against the Tampa Bay Rays. Pitching at home, May allowed six earned runs on 10 hits over four innings. He managed only three strikeouts in that game, and opposing hitters consistently found ways to make solid contact against him. It was an underwhelming debut that immediately raised concerns among fans and analysts.
Unfortunately for May, his second start offered little improvement. Facing the Detroit Tigers on the road, he endured an even shorter and more damaging performance. In just over three innings of work, he gave up seven earned runs on seven hits while recording four strikeouts. The outing further inflated his already troubling statistics and deepened worries about his effectiveness.
After these two starts, May holds an 0-2 record with a 15.95 ERA across a total of 7.1 innings pitched. In addition to the high ERA, his numbers reveal deeper issues. He has a 2.73 WHIP, indicating that he is allowing a significant number of baserunners, and opposing hitters have produced an extremely high 1.383 OPS against him. These metrics suggest that hitters are not only reaching base frequently but are also hitting for power.
This level of performance is historically poor when compared to previous Cardinals pitchers. The last time a starter had a worse ERA through their first two outings was in 1995, when Allen Benes posted a 17.18 ERA. That comparison highlights just how rare and concerning May’s struggles have been.
For the Cardinals, this situation presents a challenge. While the team is not expected to compete for a championship this season, there is still a need for stability and development within the pitching staff. May was brought in with the hope that he could provide innings and potentially reestablish himself as a reliable arm. Instead, his early outings have placed additional pressure on the rotation.
There is still time for May to turn things around, but the urgency is clear. Pitchers often need a few starts to settle into a new environment, especially after changing teams. Adjustments to mechanics, pitch selection, and game strategy could help him regain some level of effectiveness. However, the margin for error is slim, particularly given how extreme his early results have been.
If May is unable to improve quickly, the Cardinals may be forced to reconsider his role on the roster. In a rebuilding year, teams are typically more willing to experiment, but sustained poor performance can still lead to difficult decisions. The organization will need to weigh the potential benefits of giving him more opportunities against the risk of continued struggles impacting the team’s overall development.
Ultimately, May’s rough start serves as a reminder of the uncertainties that come with rebuilding. Not every acquisition will work out as hoped, and some players may struggle to adapt to new situations. For now, all eyes will be on May as he attempts to recover from one of the worst starts in recent franchise history and prove that he can still be a valuable contributor at the major league level.
