Ironically, his first save of the year came in a third straight game scenario. 2 hits and 1 run in 1 inning.
Like I said, they've pitched the hell out of him. Maybe he needs that sort of workload to stay right. Definitely wasn't right early on.
That wasn't a 3rd appearance. He pitched the 2 innings the night before, but he didn't pitch the previous day. And he had only pitched twice in the previous week prior to the blown save. I dont think he's been overpitched at all. He's one pace for about 65 innings, which is pretty normal for a reliever, and they are all well distributed. He's pitched between 9 and 12 innings each month.
buster olney's idea of trading for 2 starts from nova is suddenly more intriguing. wonder how cheaply that would come. seems like it should cost next to nothing.
That's why I said mostly. The two innings of work in one game had me questioning his availability, combined with a high pressure 14 pitch outing 2 days prior against the Cubs. That being said, he only threw 10 pitches on Monday, and he threw the same number of pitches tonight that he did in the two inning stint. Relative to the rest of the staff, he's had the most consistent amount of work/appearances (which implies he's warming up in all those games, and some others, regardless of innings pitched). Never said overpitched. Just that they've never hesitated to use him, probably because he's got a young/live arm that shows little signs of fatigue, and he is the best K weapon this bullpen has. Even in that last blown save, his raw stuff was as good as ever...3rd day or not. If they absolutely need him in a close game tomorrow, I wouldn't be shocked if they went back to him.
Is there any comparison in modern ball for what Devo is doing? Routinely working 2 or 3 dominant innings, it really is impressive.
Not since the 80's. That's why I love him in the pen, he can come into seemingly any important situation (5/6th and you need 2 innings? Done. Need the 7th? Shut it down in the 8th? OK. Extra innings, he can go). That is very, very old school Gossage-type stuff. If he can hold up to the workload he's invaluable in that role.
i don't know know if TBA is left handed or right handed but we got jump on him early so we can sit back and cheer for big papi and the red sox tonight.
Yep, and TBH, it may be the only role he is best suited for. He's a two pitch pitcher. He's very apt to struggling the 2bd and 3rd time through the lineup. He is most effective as a non-starter, but has the arm/repertoire to go multiple innings.
Former Astros minor league great, Daniel Mengden (RHP), pitching for OAK today. 2-7 W-L 5.68 ERA 1.547 WHIP
