With today’s awful news about righty Chad Bettis, the Rockies face a dilemma in the rotation. As Nick Groke of the Denver Post writes, the club had believed it was looking for one starter to step up in camp, but now it needs two. It was debatable already whether the club ought to have added a starter, but now the need is all the more apparent. A variety of youthful competitors are on hand, of course, along with 30-year-old southpaw Chris Rusin, who’s probably best suited for a return to the bullpen. While there’s plenty of interesting talent, the Rockies may feel a need to find more certainty as they seek to push toward contention.
Here’s more on a few pitching situations from around the game:
- Signed to provide the Rangers with depth, righty Dillon Gee may now be in position to take a spot in the Opening Day rotation with Andrew Cashner sidelined. As T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com writes, Gee says he feels healthy and likes the way he’s throwing. As he works back to full health following thoracic outlet surgery, Gee is also working to smooth out mechanical issues he identified in his work last year with the Royals.
- It’s a similar story for Kyle Kendrick, who’s importance to the Red Sox has risen with David Price’s health issues. Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald reports that the 32-year-old won’t have an opt-out opportunity until June 15th, which gives the club some flexibility, though it’s possible he’ll be needed earlier. As Drellich writes, the Sox are encouraged by Kendrick’s initial showing, with manager John Farrell noting that the team likes that he’s working off of his sinker and cutter rather than relying on the four-seam fastball. From Kendrick’s perspective, “I feel right with where I’m at with my stuff.”
- Mets righty Zack Wheeler is drawing some good reviews from his early showing on the mound, as Marc Carig of Newsday reports on Twitter. An “evaluator” tells Carig that Wheeler is showing a “smooth delivery” and that the ball is coming out of his hand well. That’s encouraging for the Mets, who have the depth to account for any further delays from the righty but no doubt want to see him contributing in the majors sooner than later.
It’s easy to forget how highly touted Zach Wheeler once was. After a mediocre start where he had some control issues he had started to put it all together in July and August of 2015. Then he had a bad September and in Spring Training was diagnosed with a torn UCL. That was 2 years ago. If he can stay healthy he could still be the top of the rotation type arm everyone though he would be.
Your timing is incorrect!
TomG – it appears you have forgotten that not all TJ surgeries are a success and some guys never come back from them to reach their previous highest potential.
I for one have no idea why all SP’s who get TJ aren’t eased back into starting by first being a reliever for a year.
I think it’s mental for some and agents play a role when it comes down to star players.
Because things like having to pitch back to back days, quick warmups, etc., are rougher on the repaired arm than throwing every fifth day. Better to have restricted pitch count starts on a regular schedule, with the added benefit of having plenty of time to warm up beforehand. This can be done at AAA where game results are less important than pitcher progress. Most SPs aren’t great for the first few months back anyway, so why rush them to the majors.
Kyle Kendrick? Why not Roenis Elias?
Intercostal muscle strain, he’s out for a while.
Let’s count those SP’s: Price (elbow), Wright (shoulder), Porcello (hand),E Rod (knee), Pomerantz (elbow), Owens (no command), Johnson (anxiety) , Elias (intercostal). That leaves Sale, Kendricks and Jalen Beeks; not exactly Spaun & Sain then pray for rain but close enough for government work.
Sale (SOS- Scissor Outburst Syndrome) Jalen Beeks (uh oh) so that just leaves Kyle Kendricks!
Uh-oh looks like we need to trade the farm for quintana
Porcello’s thumb is a non issue. ERod’s knee is fine. I haven’t heard any news either way on *Pomeranz or Wright. Stop exaggerating.
Am I the only one who continually confuses Kyle Kendrick and Kyle Hendricks…
Nope
For some reason I thought Kendricks’ opt out was in April. He has had a decent start in ST though I don’t often give much weight to ST stats. If the worst case scenario happens with Price then Kendricks could be a stopgap solution until we see if anyone on the staff can pitch beyond their abilities for a short time. Also it will give DD a chance to see if he can pick up a diamond in the rough on the market.
Thought I remembered the same about April. I seem to recall him starting a couple of seasons strong and fading badly. Maybe the Sox can ride a strong 1st couple months.
Whose importance**
Doug Fister (33), Edwin Jackson (33) & Colby Lewis (37) are reading this thread and yelling “Dillon Gee and Kyle Kendrick are important pieces of -any- teams rotation and I’m still unemployed? OH COME ON!!!” at their screens.
The notion that Kendrick is important is absurd. As of right now, he is the number 5 starter in triple A.
i think the angels should make a run at fister in case skaggs goes down with injury.