As for this season, he's doing okay. He still doesn't walk anyone or strike anyone out, so hopefully the Reds aggressive approach will get results. He's gone at least six innings in his last four starts, including May 6th against this Reds team when he gave up four runs to take the loss.
Lineups and bullpen log after the jonk:
LINEUPS
REDS | PIRATES |
Cozart SS | Tabata LF |
Stubbs CF | Harrison SS |
Votto 1B | McCutchen CF |
Phillips 2B | Alvarez 3B |
Bruce RF | Walker 2B |
Ludwick LF | Jones RF |
Frazier 3B | Hague 1B |
Mesoraco C | Barajas C |
Bailey P | Morton P |
It seems like only a few days ago that I was complaining about the lopsided usage of the bullpen. The horses Chapman, Marshall, Ondrusek, and Arredondo were being ridden hard, while the middle relievers had seen complete lunar cycles without pitching. That sure changed in the last week. I suppose we can credit the shaky rotation for the work Hoover, Simon, and LeCure have put in lately, but whatever the reason it's good to see them getting some reps. And moreover, it's good to see them pitching well. This group ain't playin'.