They've said that at times where there wasn't a clear-cut DH option, and in many ways, it is nice having built-in rest opportunities (while keeping the bat in the lineup)... but they've also historically had DH-only guys in the everyday lineup as long as they were on the roster (Gattis), and come playoff time, there is no need to have a rotating DH for rest purposes.
Right about the playoffs, but they've said it specifically this year re: Alvarez and the need for him to be competent enough in the field to keep his bat in the lineup while giving other guys DH days. Won't be much of an issue until people get healthy, of course.
Devenski has been back to his dominating self the last 3 weeks or so - 8 innings, 12 Ks, 4 hits. I think they give him a long leash if the alternative if Cionel Perez. But I'd assume they'd just go back to 13 pitchers anyway, so you wouldn't need to send a pitcher down. A lot of it also depends on the order that all these guys come back. (and realistically, someone else is likely to get hurt along the way)
I took those comments more as a solid enough reason (yet still, by definition, an excuse) to justify the questions of him staying down past deadlines, etc. If he's hitting well, he's still going to see the majority of his lineup time at DH. When others come back, they will rotate in/out other guys more so nobody gets irregular playing time... but still forsee him being a DH much more than an OF.
I don't think you've actually been watching Devenski pitch. Numbers look ok... but he's looked far from dominating in these outings.
We've got comps in the game thread from Jeff Bagwell to he's gonna die so I don't think you're gonna stop the insane expectations train anytime soon. .333, worse than AAA
He cranked that low changeup. Dude is strong and only 21. If he stays disciplined at the plate and gets better in the field (hopefully 1st) he could be MVP in the making.
His bb/so ratio is .760 this season in the minor leagues. The only player that has a ratio above .560 in the majors this season is Mike Trout whose over 1.300 . For context, Springer is sitting at number 2 at .556.