The qualifier is that the Cardinals will have to first get through a weekend series at Coors Field without needing to use Graceffo out of the bullpen, which is easier said than done. A midseason pitch mix change has unlocked Graceffo, who has logged a 2.22 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 31:11 K:BB over 28.1 innings since ditching his curveball for a new slider. He threw three perfect innings with four strikeouts while starting a bullpen game last week versus the Orioles, and the righty has since added an additional five scoreless frames with a 9:1 K:BB over two subsequent outings. Graceffo threw a season-high 48 pitches his last time out, so he should be capable of around 50-to-60 pitches next week if he does wind up making a spot start.

Graceffo is a former starting pitcher, but he's been a full-time reliever in 2026 and hasn't thrown more than 28 pitches in any of his last eight appearances. Once Graceffo exits the game after likely pitching the first inning or two, the Cardinals will lean on a collection of relievers as they aim to avoid a series sweep.