Mathews (0-1) took the loss Saturday as the Cardinals fell 5-1 to the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks over five-plus innings. He struck out three.
In his big-league debut, Mathews kept things close but got little help from his offense, tossing 63 of 97 pitches for strikes and getting pulled after giving up a bunt single to Daulton Varsho to lead off the sixth. The Cards have yet to confirm whether the 25-year-old southpaw will stick around in the rotation, but with Dustin May likely to be moved by the trade deadline, a permanent spot could be about to open up. If he stays on turn, Mathews lines up to make his next start at home next weekend against the Rockies.