(Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire)
It’s been one tumultuous season for Luke Weaver, especially in his previous five games where he’s allowed at least 4 ER four times including a crooked 8 ER outing against the Braves. However, last night was a breath of fresh air, going 8.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 0 BBs, 7 Ks as he cruised through the Giants lineup. In traditional Weaver form, he earned a hefty amount of foul balls – 21/93 pitches – and while I want to sit here and tell you that Weaver has returned, that I found the thing that should dictate continued success, I just don’t see it. 25 CSW, only 8 whiffs, just 5/15 on called strikes with his deuce, and only 4 CSW on 25 changeups. I think this was one of those nights where the balls in play went his way, without the few at-bats that force him out of the game in the sixth. That’s great, but we’re still a far way from trusting him in our lineups.
Let’s see how every other SP did Thursday:
Marco Gonzales – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks. Marco really enjoys pitching against teams not named the Yankees or Red Sox. Noted. His cutter did a ton of work here – 14/36 CSW with 10 foul balls as well, good for 24/36 strikes not in play – and I’m all for letting him ride against the Angels a second time next week.
Eric Lauer – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks. I’ve read El. O. L. in discussions about the future for the Padres and I just don’t understand it. Isn’t he continuing on the path of every no-name Padres starter to come before him like Christian Friedrich and…friends?
Aaron Slegers – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks. Do you want a Cup of Schmo? Why?
Jaime Barria – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 1 Ks. I guess I’m okay with this against the Mariners as you may have ran with him after he survived the Red Sawx, but just one strikeout? HAIGFMFWT?! He gets the Seafarers again and I’m pretty meh about it.
Andrew Cashner – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks. Ha, that’s cute Cashner.
Jhoulys Chacin – 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks. Chacin will do well when Jhoulyst expect it. This was the Braves after all. Hats off to him for holding a 3.63 ERA despite a 4.76 SIERA, 19% K rate and 10% BB rate. Shudders.
Carlos Rodon – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 6 BBs, 6 Ks. Rodon had allowed 3 walks just once prior to this start and we finally got a taste of the real Rodon for the first time this season. Perfection. Wait. No. Imperfection. That’s better.
Justin Verlander – 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 10 Ks. Aces gonna ace. Nothing like the ChiSox to bring back prime Verlander with 21 whiffs and 38/107 to earn another Gallows Pole. Did you realize that halfway through the season, Verlander’s fastball already holds a pVal of 24.7? In fact, over his last 34 starts, the pitch holds a 49.2 pVal. That is stupid. Seriously, stupid.
Yovani Gallardo – 5.1 IP, 3 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks. Unless you were desperate for a Win, this start gave you absolutely nothing. Just like my last relationship. :(
Shelby Miller – 5.1 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks. On one hand, it’s 7 Ks. On the other, his fastball velocity was a little lower around 94mph, his cutter still is meh, and this was the Padres. I still need to see more, Shelby. I need more. But I thought you hated Matt? More, not Moore. Why do I let you do this to me.
Max Fried – 3.0 IP, 4 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 1 Ks. Fried didn’t have his curveball like last time and it didn’t go well, even leaving this one early (60 pitches!) with a blister…which may explain the lack of working curveball. Womp womp. Here’s to hoping Gohara takes his spot instead very soon. Streaming Record: 51-29.
Johnny Cueto – 5.0 IP, 5 ER, 10 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks. It was a DLH and it really hurt if you went against the DLH gods above. I wouldn’t be shocked if he was fine as soon as next time out, but it is the Cubs and you’re better off just giving him more time before letting him loose in your lineup.
Pablo Lopez – 5.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks. Yep, that’s the Cup of Schmo I expected to show up. On to the next one.
Matt Boyd – 4.0 IP, 6 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 3 Ks. This is why we’re Boyd Watching. It’s so much more fun this way, let me tell you. Oh no, please not another one of your endless ramb– So there I was, right? On my normal perch on top of this rock with the bush to make not stick out so much and this robin flutters down, completely oblivious to its surroundings. MAKE IT STOP.
Jeremy Hellickson – 4.0 IP, 8 ER, 9 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks. It was a super clear DLH, but I think enough of you didn’t even realize this was happening – that’s a good thing – and there wasn’t a moment you truly considered it. At the very least, I’m happy The Devil didn’t get to seduce y’all before burning down the village.
Today’s Streamer
Dereck Rodriguez vs. St. Louis Cardinals – I don’t see a reason to stop this train.
Tomorrow’s Streamer
Anibal Sanchez vs. Milwaukee Brewers – There are about five choices available, most carrying poor matchups. The other one to consider is Mike Fiers against the Rangers and I’ll go with Sanchez’s recent upside + chance for a win.
Day After Tomorrow’s Streamer
Nick Kingham vs. Philadelphia Phillies – I feel like Aladdin the way I’m saying “Do you trust me?” about Kingham and I totally get it. That’s cool if you disagree, I’m going for this and we can talk later.
Game of the Day
Nick Pivetta vs. Pittsburgh Pirates – I’m on the edge of my seat here waiting for this week’s episode. Y’all know I love his skill set, I want to watch him execute it.
