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The Cardinals won’t have starting pitcher Steven Matz at least until the middle of May due to a back injury, and they’re still sorting through how they fill the void in their rotation. Though there’s optimism Matz’s absence will be “short.�

Matz, who dealt with soreness in his lower back in most recent start, went on the 15-day injured list with a lower back strain Friday. His IL stint was backdated to May 1. The Cardinals recalled right-handed reliever Kyle Leahy in a corresponding roster move to take Matz’s place on the active roster.

Matz got an MRI on Thursday, and the results showed a disc protruding according to Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. Matz received an injection and will have no activity for a couple days before the medical and training staffs establish a progression for Matz to return from the IL.

“We do think it’s a shorter stint than a long one,� Marmol said.

Matz did not trace the back issue to a specific play or instance, but he said after his last start he’d felt his back tighten up while running after his last home start at Busch Stadium against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Then in his start Tuesday in Detroit, Matz’s velocity dropped from his season averages, he struck out just one batter and allowed four runs on seven hits in 3 1/3 innings. Three of the seven hits off Matz were extra-base hits, including a home run.

Thursday’s off day allowed the Cardinals to rearrange their starting rotation after both right-hander Kyle Gibson and Matz started games in Tuesday’s doubleheader in Detroit. Matz had originally been slated to pitch Monday, but rain forced a postponement of that game.

Cardinals ace Sonny Gray started Friday night’s series opener against the Chicago White Sox at Busch Stadium, Lance Lynn is scheduled to start Saturday followed by Gibson on Sunday. Matz had preceded Gibson in the rotation up until the doubleheader.

Leahy provides depth in the bullpen for the time being, and the Cardinals can push off Matz’s spot in the rotation until Tuesday. Miles Mikolas remains scheduled to start on regular rest Monday.

Prior to Friday night’s game, Marmol said no decision had been made on who will start Tuesday.

“You have a couple options, moving Gibby up and then filling the spot later,� Marmol said. “You can go bullpen day. You can bring up someone from Triple-A. We’re trying to figure out what’s best in the short term and long term. We have yet to nail it down.�

The Cardinals’ next scheduled day off is May 16 after a stretch of 13 consecutive days with a game.

Options to step into Matz’s rotation spot likely include prospect Sem Robberse, a right-hander currently in the rotation for Triple-A Memphis. Robberse pitched Thursday night and could be on turn for Tuesday.

Acquired last summer as part of the trade that sent Jordan Hicks to the Toronto Blue Jays, Robberse is already on the Cardinals’ 40-man roster. He has gotten off to an impressive start this season with a 4-0 record, a 1.77 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings in six starts for Memphis.

Triple-A starter Gordon Graceffo could also provide an option. Like Robberse, Graceffo is right-hander currently part of the pitching rotation for Memphis. He last pitched Wednesday night. Graceffo has posted a 3-2 record with a 4.34 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 29 innings in six starts this season at Triple-A.

Left-hander Matthew Liberatore has settled into a key role in the bullpen this season after having previously started in the majors and minors. Liberatore’s past experience as a starter makes him another option. Liberatore has a 2.76 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 12 games (16 1/3 innings) this season out of the bullpen. Last season in his major-league starts, Liberatore went 2-5 with a 5.88 ERA, 34 strikeouts and 20 walks in 49 innings (11 starts).

Left-hander Zack Thompson, who began the season in the major-league rotation with Gray on the IL, started Friday for Memphis, which likely eliminates him from being a viable option Tuesday.

Carlson continues assignment with Memphis

Outfielder Dylan Carlson played in his fourth game Friday for Memphis. He’s on a minor-league rehab assignment as he works his way back from a left shoulder sprain he suffered in a collision with Jordan Walker in the penultimate exhibition game of spring training.

Carlson entered Friday night’s game having gone 2 for 6 with a home run and a pair of walks during his rehab assignment. He’d served as the designated hitter in two games and played six innings in center field in another. On Friday, he started in center field.

Marmol said facing a left-handed starting pitcher and taking at-bats and swings from the right side was one of the boxes left to check for Carlson.

Helsley takes home NL honor

Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley garnered National League Reliever of the Month honors for March/April, MLB announced on Friday. He entered the weekend tied for the most saves in the majors with 10. Helsley registered a 1.69 ERA through his first 16 appearances (16 innings) with 19 strikeouts, 13 hits and two walks.

Helsley converted 10 of 11 save chances through the end of April. He’d logged a 0.94 WHIP and opponents batted .220 against him. He allowed five runs (three earned). His 16 appearances were also tied for the most in the majors.

Helsley became the ninth Cardinals closer to record 10 saves in a month and the first since his Giovanny Gallegos recorded 11 saves in September 2021. Helsely’s 10 saves in April set a new career high. His previous high had been seven saves in September 2022.