Shelby Miller used threw the curveball more yesterday than any other time this year; throwing it nearly 27 percent of the time. The fastball command still needs refinement, if he’s going to have an opportunity to maintain his performance the entire season. Speaking of which, the most professional innings he’s pitched is 150 innings (in 2012) so I have to believe the Cardinals will put him on an innings limit. With the Cardinals having playoff aspirations, I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on the DL to keep him fresh for the playoff run and/or playoffs. Miller is a sell high candidate.

Other than the Johnny Cueto incident, Matt Garza pitched very well through the first three innings of the game. The slider had good bite to it. The fastball touched 95 mph in bursts and he located it on both sides of the plates. However, that all went away in fourth inning as he started missing up in the zone too often.

Julio Teheran worked around three walks and an error, allowing only one run in 6.2 innings. Teheran’s command was off and on, which lead to the three walks. However, in his past five starts (including last night) he only has five walks in 33.1 innings. The biggest thing I noticed from the game had nothing to do with Teheran, but the Braves bullpen. With Johnny Venters and Eric O’Flaherty out for the entire year, the Braves are going to have to count on 6-7 relievers in high leverage situations. Last night the Braves called upon Cory Gearrin to hold a one run lead in the eighth inning, but he blew the lead. I’m concerned how the Braves bullpen is going to cost Braves pitchers wins and ERA via inherited runs scoring.