After four straight Quality Starts and six games where he tallied just five ER to his name, Mike Clevinger has hit a wall in his last two starts, allowing 5 ER in 4.1 frames last time out to the angels and going 3.0 IP, 5 ER, 7 Hits, 4 BBs, 2 Ks against the Red Sox Monday evening. That's 10 ER in just 7.1 frames with 6 walks and 7 Ks. Ouch. There really isn't much to talk about here as it might get a bit worse before it gets better, with Clevinger slated to face the Yankees next, which means I'm okay with you letting him go. However, teammate Josh Tomlin is expected to miss a "start or two", which gives more opportunity for Clevinger in the rotation. I can see a scenario where even when Tomlin returns Clev could have pitched well against the Rays (25th in wOBA over the last 30 days) and either earned a rotation spot outright or someone else is hurt. Okay, but what's his schedule like if that does happen? If Clevinger is pitching every five games...Yankees, Rays, Royals, Red Sox, Yankees, Tigers, Orioles, Tigers...not the best but not the worst. I think if you have decent streamer options or an intriguing upside play you make the switch and let Clev go.
Let’s see how every other SP did yesterday:
Hey Nick,
With Amed Rosario getting called up, I flipped andrelton simmons and melancon for Jeff the Shark Samardzija to make room. What are your thoughts on his recent performances? Worried that he’s been inconsistent, but intrigued by K upside. Did I give too much?
Rest of staff included mad bum, a wood, car mart, taillon, L Castillo, J Happ and Conley for context.
I think you did well. I haven’t lost faith in Samardzija – or as I call him Loose Lips – just yet.
I feel like Severino’s outing last night got shortened by 2 or 3 ABs where guys just kept. fouling. stuff.off.
But still, last year Sevy would have gone 5 innings but also given up 6 ER.
Came here to say this. 30 Foul balls in 5 innings. That’s a lot.
He was very fortunate to earn that win. He was melting down in the 5th inning. Everyone’s starts would be better if not for those few problematic at-bats. Gio was a Dee Gordon away from throwing a no-no.
Would you trust Fiers against the Devil, Rays?
Ha!
If I needed another start this week, yes. The Rays are 25th in wOBA in the last 25 days.
Not a big fan of Fiers, though.
why do you call jordon montgomery the bear?
It’s derived from a Game of Thrones character named Jorah Mormont (i.e. also JorMont). He’s from Bear Island and his family is associated with a Bear.