Flaherty allowed one run on three hits and four walks over five innings Wednesday while striking out four but came away with a no-decision in a 3-1 win over the Padres.
The rookie had trouble finding the strike zone at times, but this was still a better outing for Flaherty than his debut last Friday. The Cardinals have a couple of days off coming up in their schedule, and with Adam Wainwright set to rejoin the rotation Monday, the 21-year-old will likely be shuffled back into the bullpen over the final weeks of the season. Expect Flaherty to make a strong case for a regular spot in spring training next year, however.