St. Louis Cardinals vs Arizona Diamondbacks Picks and Predictions May 24th 2025

Veteran Leadership Anchors Arizona’s Pitching Staff

Merrill Kelly continues to be a beacon of consistency for the Arizona Diamondbacks, providing much-needed stability as the team attempts to remain competitive in the National League West. With a 5-2 record and a 3.26 ERA, Kelly has allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight of his ten starts this season. His most recent outing was particularly impressive—a dominant 1-0 win over the Colorado Rockies in which he struck out 11 and surrendered just one hit across seven innings.

As Arizona prepares for Game 2 of their three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Kelly’s presence on the mound is expected to set the tone. His approach—focused on executing each pitch, learning from mistakes, and staying mentally engaged—has earned praise from manager Torey Lovullo, who credits Kelly’s maturity and preparation for his ongoing success.

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A Journey Marked by Persistence

What makes Kelly’s consistency even more commendable is his unique journey to the majors. After spending four seasons in South Korea, he broke into MLB at age 30—an uncommon path that underscores his perseverance and adaptability. Now 36, Kelly embodies professionalism and calm on the mound, which has made him a pillar of Arizona’s rotation.

So far, the Diamondbacks’ rotation has posted 23 quality starts, a testament to the staff’s overall depth and Kelly’s influence. The right-hander also holds a career 3-1 record with a 2.75 ERA in six starts against the Cardinals, suggesting he could once again play a pivotal role.

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Cardinals Counter With Breakout Lefty

The Cardinals edged out the Diamondbacks in the series opener, holding on for a 4-3 win. That victory improved St. Louis’ home record to a solid 17-8, giving them momentum as they look to secure the series.

Matthew Liberatore, the 24-year-old left-hander, will start for the Cardinals. He’s 3-3 with a 2.92 ERA and has emerged as a reliable force in the rotation. Liberatore has allowed two earned runs or fewer in his last seven starts. In his previous outing, he held the Kansas City Royals to one run across six innings. While he didn’t factor into the decision, his curveball proved especially effective, compensating for a slight dip in velocity and command.

This will be Liberatore’s first career start against the Diamondbacks. His ability to adapt and mix pitches will be key in matching up against Arizona’s offense, which has been quiet during its three-game losing skid.

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Injury Notes and Roster Adjustments

Ahead of the series, the Diamondbacks made a small but strategic roster move by activating right-hander Justin Martinez from the 15-day injured list. Christian Montes De Oca was sent to Triple-A Reno in a corresponding decision. The bullpen shuffle may help Arizona manage innings and preserve arms during a tough stretch.

For the Cardinals, the potential return of first baseman Willson Contreras is worth watching. Contreras, who leads the team with 28 RBIs, was scratched from Friday’s lineup due to back spasms. His availability for Saturday could significantly impact the Cardinals’ offense.

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The Betting Angle and What’s at Stake

Both pitchers bring elite form into this matchup, making Saturday’s game a potentially low-scoring affair. Kelly’s track record against the Cardinals and Liberatore’s emerging dominance suggest that runs could be at a premium. For those eyeing wagering opportunities, insights from trusted experts are available at Scores and Stats Buy Picks.

With Arizona aiming to halt its losing streak and St. Louis seeking consistency after a rough stretch, this game carries added weight. Whether you’re following as a fan or a bettor, the matchup promises to be one of tactical nuance and pitching mastery.