If you've made it through one of the worst puns I think I've made in an SP Roundup headline, I want to thank you as we take the time to dive into Dallas Keuchel who has been atrocious since returning from the DL and put up a 4.0 IP, 8 ER, 10 Hits, 3 BBs, 2 Ks spot last night against the ChiSox. Now he's sporting a 10.50 ERA in those three starts (obviously inflated by last night) with just 7 Ks total and 8 walks walks in that span. Not at all the man we've known him to be and even more shocking since we'd normally say "he's still injured" but after his own admission that he pitched through injury last season and how it was "terrible decision," I would imagine he wouldn't be making the same mistake twice. So I'm assuming he's still healthy and I can assess this I always do by digging through the numbers. Here's what I've got for you: His first two starts were very anti-Keuchel in that he struggled to get ahead with a sub 50% F-Strike rate. That's very odd for a guy sitting above 60% otherwise. Fewer early strikes = more Sinkers while cutting back on Cutters and Changeups = less success. This specific start against the ChiSox he actually had a 72% F-Strike rate...but his command was nothing like we're used to from Keuchel. Sliders up, Sinkers and Changeups missing their spots...that's not him. So after this giant wall of text what I have is me telling you that Keuchel is still trying to find his feel after missing a chunk of the season. For those wanting Keuchel as a stable playoff arm, I think you'll get it, he just needs a little more time to get there. Solid buy low for those locked for the playoffs, don't give up on him.
Let’s see how every other SP did yesterday:
What are the chances on 10 (10 being yes) that Price makes another start this year? I am starting to believe that he won’t be pitching for at least another month + … I know lots of people prob. want to know because their playoff runs! I have lost hope!
I dont think you can assume that Keuchel is healthy. He is certainly not pitching like it. The alternative to saying he is healthy is sitting out the rest of the year and not pitching for a WS contender.
Here’s where I’m getting the Keuchel injury rhetoric from (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/After-a-trying-season-Dallas-Keuchel-focuses-on-9684672.php):
“He says he learned this year that he needs to be more open with the team’s trainers and medical staff. He’s always been one to not want to say much when something bothers him.
“Sometimes I’ve got to put my stubbornness away and kind of have an open dialogue with them,” he said.'”
I have to believe that the Astros can rest him a ton if he needs it now. Either you believe he needs season ending surgery or that he’s making the same mistake twice in less dire situation.
Marquez for Keuchel seems like a good move then?
I wouldn’t make that move. Can’t say I believe in Marquez to continue pitching at a Top 30 level while I don’t believe Keuchel is this bad.
I’d be getting the keuchel side.
Oh! I’m all for it Matt. Sorry!