Dobbins Building Momentum, Pushard Back on the Mound

The Cardinal Chronicle
Trainer’s Table: Dobbins Building Momentum, Pushard Back on the Mound
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur

Injuries are part of the game. Progress is what matters.

And right now, the Cardinals are starting to see some of it.

 
Hunter Dobbins Trending in the Right Direction

Right-hander Hunter Dobbins will take another step forward Sunday, making his fourth rehab start—and his first outing on a full five days’ rest—when Triple-A Memphis hosts Gwinnett.

So far, the results have been encouraging.

Dobbins enters the start at 3-0 with a 2.93 ERA, logging 5.0 innings in each outing while posting a sharp 0.98 WHIP. For a pitcher working his way back from right knee surgery, that kind of consistency matters just as much as the numbers.

The next checkpoint is durability.

Pitching on regular rest isn’t just a box to check—it’s the bridge between rehab assignment and real consideration. If Dobbins handles this outing well, the conversation shifts from “getting healthy” to “getting ready.”

And that’s where things get interesting.

Once fully cleared, Dobbins is expected to compete for a spot in a Cardinals rotation that currently includes Dustin May, Matthew Liberatore, and Michael McGreevy.

That said, this is still a development play.

With minor-league options remaining, the Cardinals have flexibility—and history says they’ll use it. Even if Dobbins proves he’s healthy, don’t be surprised if he continues to build innings at Memphis before getting the call.

No need to rush what looks like it’s coming along the right way.

 
Pushard Takes the Next Step

Reliever Matt Pushard is also progressing, set to make his second rehab appearance for Memphis.

His first outing was exactly what you want to see: one scoreless inning, one hit allowed, no damage done.

For a bullpen arm working back from right patellar tendinitis, the early goal is simple—get back on the mound, throw strikes, and come out of it feeling good the next day.

So far, so good.

Now it’s about stacking appearances, tightening command, and proving he can handle regular usage again.

 
The Big Picture

This is what the Trainer’s Table is all about.

Not headlines. Not hype. Just steady progress.

Dobbins is moving from recovery to readiness.
Pushard is moving from testing to building.

If both stay on track, the Cardinals won’t just be getting players back—they’ll be adding depth at two spots where it’s always needed.

And over 162 games, depth isn’t a luxury.

It’s survival.

The Cardinals Chronicle in association with Gateway Sports