Westbrook scuffles early vs. Phils: Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook had his worst start of the season on Thursday, as he was unable to get out of the fourth inning against the Phillies. Westbrook gave up six runs over the first two innings and ultimately needed 92 pitches just to get through 3 2/3 innings before being pulled. He finished with eight hits and three walks allowed, while striking out four, however he did not pick up the loss, as the Cardinals’ offense was able to get him off the hook before falling, 10-9. (Updated 05/25/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Westbrook had a 2.41 ERA before Thursday, with seven quality starts in eight outings, however that ERA now stands at 3.21. He has now failed to pick up a win in each of his last three starts, though his record is still pretty solid at 4-3. He is enjoying a nice resurgence at the age of 34, as he is currently posting what would be his best strikeout rate per nine innings (6.11) since his rookie season. Combined with still solid control and his extreme groundball tendencies, and it seems like he should be able to continue to pitch well. However he will face a tough test the next time he takes the mound, as he is scheduled to face Atlanta, the second-best offense in the National League. He should probably only be used in deeper Fantasy leagues for Week 9 (May 28-June 3). (Updated 05/25/2012).
05/25/2012 00:08 Phillies have season-high 18 hits in win
Shane Victorino and Freddy Galvis each drove in three runs, including Galvis' go-ahead single in the sixth inning, and the Philadelphia Philles beat the St. Louis Cardinals 10-9 on Thursday.
05/23/2012 23:22 Hamels (7-1) stops Nats; Phils end skid
Cole Hamels pitched eight scoreless innings, finishing up by retiring Bryce Harper on a grounder as the Philadelphia Phillies snapped a season-long four-game losing streak Wednesday night with a 3-1 victory against the Washington Nationals.
05/22/2012 23:20 Wainwright's four-hitter carries Cards
Adam Wainwright threw a four-hitter and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Diego Padres 4-0 on Tuesday night.
05/20/2012 01:10 Kershaw tosses shutout against Cards
Clayton Kershaw outdueled Jake Westbrook with a six-hitter for his fourth career shutout, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers over the St. Louis Cardinals 6-0 Saturday night.
05/19/2012 02:29 The Lineup: Pitchers and Blue Jays
Interleague play commenced with some staggering pitching performances ... except in Toronto.
Jake Westbrook accomplished a feat last year that he has done only two other times during his major league career -- he turned in a winning season. Westbrook, who has been hindered by inconsistency and ineffectiveness throughout his 10-year tenure in the majors, posted a 12-9 record in 33 starts with St. Louis last season. The veteran right-hander hurled 183 1/3 innings during his first full season in the National League and punched out 104 batters -- the fifth occasion he has amassed 100-plus strikeouts in his career. Still, he continues to deal with wildness as he walked a career-high 73 batters en route to a subpar 1.53 WHIP. Westbrook also had six outings in which he issued at least four walks. His 73 total free passes on the season ranked ninth-most in the National League. The Cardinals welcome the return of Adam Wainwright from Tommy John surgery this year which will bump Westbrook down in the rotation. Still, he is only considered a low-end option in deeper NL-only Fantasy formats for 2012. (Updated 2/21/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start