Edinson Volquez, or is it Edison Volquez, or Julio Reyes? Ah, Whatever. Number 36 on the Cincinnati Reds is ready to put Tommy John surgery, a 50-game suspension and not knowing his own name behind him. He is tentatively set to return to MLB action around the All-Star Break barring any further setbacks.
Fantasy baseball owners in need of starting pitching should take immediate action.
For the forgetful ones:
In 2007, Edinson looked at his birth certificate for the first time and realized his name had an “n” in it. He asked the Texas Rangers to change his name from Edison, to Edinson. Shortly after, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds with Daniel Ray Herrera for Josh Hamilton. It has yet to be determined if the Rangers dealt Volquez because of his spelling ability or his value.
in 2008, Volquez’s debut season for the Reds, Edinson exploded onto the scene with a 17-6 record in 32 starts. His numbers were filthy. He finished with a 3.21 ERA in 196 innings pitched, 206 strikeouts, a trip to the All-Star Game and three second place votes for National League Rookie of the Year.
In 2009, Edinson Volquez was just 4-2 in nine starts before his season ended. He was placed on the 60 day DL which eventually led to the ever so famous “Tommy John” surgery. While rehabbing, Volquez received a 50 game suspension in April 2010 for using performance enhancing drugs. Luckily, he was able to serve this suspension, rehab and practice spelling concurrently.
This month, Edinson took the hill for his first round of rehab assignments with the Lynchburg Hillcats, the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Reds in the Carolina League. Volquez allowed hits to the first two batters of the Potomac Nationals then proceeded to retire the next nine Nationals consecutively. Edinson finished his first appearance with three innings pitched, two hits allowed, three strikeouts and no walks.
In Volquez’s second rehab outing for the Lynchburg Hillcats, he pitched five scoreless innings, struck out four batters, allowed only one hit and didn’t surrender a walk.
Edinson made his third rehab start Tuesday, 6/22, for the AAA Louisville Bats of the International League. Volquez pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits, walking none, striking out one and earning his second minor league win of 2010.
If you are one of the lucky managers with an open DL spot, stash Volquez now in hopes that he returns to 2008 form. This move should allow you to add an additional player until Edinson is activated from the disabled list.
Don’t worry about his spelling abilities, this kid can flat out deal. Expect Edinson to get 12-15 starts, 3.75 ERA and strikeout seven to eight batters per nine innings.
Edinson Volquez is currently owned in 16 percent of Y! leagues.
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Article by Alan Harrison exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com. Check back weekly for more great fantasy insight, analysis and occasional nonsense from Alan.
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