Let’s take a look at a few of the potential pitch and ditch options from today’s games and determine if anyone is worth using:
Jason Hammel, Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are one of the hottest teams in baseball, and Hammel gets to take on a Padres offense that is not among the league’s best (21st in the league with 598 runs and 27th in average at .247).
The game is in Colorado, where Hammel is 7-1 with a 3.67 ERA.
Against the Padres, he is 3-0 with a 3.81 ERA in four starts. Sounds like the perfect spot to plug him into your lineup, doesn’t it?
Verdict: Pitch
Adalberto Mendez, Florida Marlins
He was great in his first start for the Marlins, tossing six shutout innings and allowing just one hit and two walks.
However, this start is against the high-powered Phillies offense.
Considering he made just nine starts at Triple-A (and 19 relief appearances), posting a 4.46 ERA in his starts, it’s hard to count on him.
There’s just too much at stake at this point in the season to be taking this type of risk.
Verdict: Ditch
Derek Holland, Texas Rangers
He’s a pitcher that I was extremely high on prior to the season, but has posted mixed results in limited action this season.
However, he has continued to excel in the Minor Leagues, posting a 1.78 ERA over 65.2 innings.
He just hasn’t had the same control in the Major Leagues, walking 16 batters in 39.2 innings (as compared to 18 walks in the minors).
He did a great job in shutting the Blue Jays out for five innings in his last start (striking out eight while allowing three hits and two walks) and draws the Tigers tomorrow. While Detroit still has Miguel Cabrera, the offense isn’t what it once was.
With the Rangers offense behind him taking on Jeremy Bonderman (with a 5.03 ERA), he certainly has a good chance to pick up a victory as well.
Verdict: Pitch
Josh Tomlin, Cleveland Indians
He has been consistent in his last three starts, allowing three earned runs in each start (a total of 17 innings).
Considering that’s a 4.76 ERA, is that the type of consistency we are looking for?
He faced the Angels in his last outing, giving up three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four over six innings. We’ll learn an awful lot about him in this game, facing the same team in back-to-back starts.
Let’s take note of the lesson and remember it for next season. Don’t get too excited about his 4.18 ERA and 1.25 WHIP overall—he’s currently benefiting from a .259 BABIP.
There are too many things not to like to gamble on him here.
Verdict: Ditch
What are your thoughts on these pitchers? Who would you use? Who would you avoid?
For more help with your starting pitcher decisions, make sure to check out our look at the week’s two-start options by clicking here.
THIS ARTICLE IS ALSO FEATURED ON WWW.ROTOPROFESSOR.COM
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com