The Cardinals have talked openly about limiting the workloads for starting pitchers Kyle Leahy and Michael McGreevy down the stretch of the season after they have already eclipsed their previous highs in innings by nearly 30 frames apiece.

Maybe, just maybe, it’s time to consider doing the same thing with right-handed reliever George Soriano, who seems to be fading fast after flying past his career highs in appearances and innings pitched in a breakout 2026 season.

Called on to relieve Matthew Liberatore in Friday’s sixth inning despite how right-handed hitters have mashed him this season, Soriano grooved an 88-mph changeup in the heart of the plate and Cubs’ slugger Seiya Suzuki drilled it for a three-run homer. The Suzuki smash ruined an otherwise stellar effort from Liberatore as the Cardinals fell 3-0 to the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday.

With runners on second and third and one out, Cardinals’ manager Oliver Marmol curiously turned the game over to Soriano even though right-handers have hit six home runs and posted an .853 OPS against the righty reliever – much more damage than what lefties have done (.538 OPS and three homers). Suzuki worked the count to 2-1 and then smashed the center-cut changeup 390 feet for his 21st homer of the season.

Having already made 29 more appearances than he’s ever had in his MLB career, it’s easy to see why the 27-year-old Soriano might be showing signs of wear and tear. A surprise contributor much of the season, Soriano has surrendered three home runs and has seen his ERA skyrocket to 5.09 in six appearances in August.

The Cardinals offense didn’t do much to support Liberatore (5-10) or Soriano with just three hits and only one at bat with a runner in scoring position. Chicago newcomer Clay Holmes (5-5) was perfect for 5 1/3 innings and allowed just one hit over 6 2/3 innings.

After winning four of the first six meetings against the rival Cubs, the Cards have dropped four of the last five – with the one win coming when they scored three times in an improbable 10th inning rally on July 29.

Inconsistent all season, Liberatore pitched well enough to win on Friday, but with no results to show for his effort. He also was perfect over the game’s first 4 1/3 innings before Nico Hoerner dumped a fifth-inning single into right field. The two runs credited to Liberatore came on the Suzuki homer. He struck out six and walked just one in 5 1/3 innings of work.

“He’s using his stuff really well,” Cardinals’ manager Oliver Marmol said to Apple TV. “These (Cubs) guys really whack lefties and (Liberatore) is using his fastball the right way, he’s spinning it well and he’s landing it and expanding when he gets to two strikes. So, he looks really good.”

Liberatore got a boost in the fourth inning from Gold Glove shortstop Masyn Winn and standout rookie JJ Wetherholt, who made back-to-back stellar diving plays. Shading Chicago star Pete Crow-Armstrong up the middle, Winn took two steps to right and dove to stop a 102.4 mph smash and then bounced to hit feet for a two-bounce throw for the out.

“He brings a lot, man, and all of the guys gravitate toward him,” Marmol said of Winn. “I love his personality and what he brings to the table defensively and we just saw what he’s capable of doing (with the glove). I feel like he does that almost every game. And we’re starting to really see some upside offensively. So, he’s a well-rounded player and he brings a ton of energy and competes extremely well.”