Cardinals' Jordan Hicks is fighting to stay in the majors

Jordan Hicks. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

After blazing start to career, Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks is fighting to stay in the majors

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 4/21/23

Bursting onto the scene in 2018 as a 21-year-old rookie, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jordan Hicks appeared in 73 games and threw 77 2/3 innings featuring a sinking fastball that reaches up to 105 mph.

Since his rookie year, Hicks has only appeared in 83 games totaling 102 1/3 innings due to multiple injuries and issues with his control. Once viewed as a difference maker out of the bullpen, Hicks unsuccessfully tried to become a starting pitcher in 2022. After making eight starts he was switched back to his bullpen role.

To start the 2023 season Hicks has been so bad that his spot on the roster is now starting to become a question. The team has moved him from high-leverage spots to pitching in low-pressure situations getting mop-up duty in games that are already out of hand.

In moving Jordan Hicks to low leverage situations, the Cardinals have made it clear that Hicks is very much pitching to keep his job.

Pretty good inning from Jordan there. Threw 16 pitches, 10 for strikes, allowed one hit and (most encouragingly) punched out three. #STLCards
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) April 19, 2023

Since moving Hicks to these low-pressure situations he has appeared in two games striking out five of the seven batters he has faced and most importantly hasn't allowed a run.

In a recent interview with MLB.com's John Denton Hicks owned up to his struggles.

"I have to stick with what I know and get better at my craft," Hicks said. "There are going to be ups and downs -- I started on a down this year, so now it's time to go up."

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said it best.

"We have to figure out how to get Hicks back," Marmol said. "That's our jobs, that's what we get paid to do."

With the Cardinals fighting to escape the bottom of the National League Central, they won't be able to give Hicks many more chances unless he is able to string together a few more impressive outings.

It's painfully obvious why they want to hold on to him, with arm talent most pitchers would dream of Hicks will need to prove that he will be able to make competitive pitches when he is called upon.