John Rheinecker went 7 innings against the M's on Tuesday in his second MLB start of the season, allowing one unearned run on 6 hits and a walk while striking out 4. He earned his first win of the year, and lowers his 2007 ERA to 3.60 after allowing 4 runs in his first 3 MLB IP this year back on 6/5. The left-hander wasn't particularly impressive in AAA this year at 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA. He struck out 4.6/9 in the minors and walked 1.8 while allowing a .265 OBA. That is not bad and it earned him this start in yesterday's doubleheader, but it doesn't blow you away either considering his experience level. Manager Ron Washington was non-committal when talking about the possibility of John getting another start. In any event, John is a risky play, even in AL-only formats. Take a pass for now.
Ryan Feierabend was recalled to start one game of yesterday's double header with the Rangers and pitched well, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits without a walk over 5 IP. He fanned two and suffered the hard luck decision in a 2-1 loss against John Rheinecker, of all people. Ryan drops to 1-4 and lowers his ERA to 8.47. He was sent down immediately after the game, but he re-established his MLB street cred to a large extent. He not much use for now however.
Phillip Hughes (hammy/ankle) went 6 shutout innings in a rehab stint for AAA Scranton on Tuesday, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out 7. I'm not sure how much more ready he needs to be than that, but there is no specific timetable for his return yet. I am guessing the second week of August myself, but that is speculation on my part. Stay tuned.
It was "treat" last night for Dustin McGowan in what has been a trick or treat season for the Jays' young pitcher. He shutout the Twins for 7.1 IP allowing 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 5 en route to his 7th win of the year. He is now 7-5 on the year with a 4.45 ERA. Dustin had alternated wins and losses in his last 6 starts but last night's win makes two in a row for McGowan who beat the Yankees in his last start on 7/19. Dustin is throwing GBs (1.6) which is what he does best but a 3.5 BB rate is nipping at him, as is an unfavorable 67.8% strand percentage. His favorable .288 BHIP% (.310 career) is keeping him afloat though, helping him limit opponents to a .244 OBA. Those two starts should largely balance each other off as they correct, but if he could limit his walks more, Dustin might be able to string together some more significant success. All of the pieces are there (especially that healthy GB rate combined with a decent K rate).
Curt Schilling (shoulder tendinitis) will make his second rehab start for the Paw Sox tomorrow against the Mud Hens in Toledo. He will be limited to 60-65 pitches and the plan is for him to make one additional rehab start after that one before being recalled. That could make him available for your lineup the week after next.
Daisuke Matsuzaka tossed 7 shutout IP at the Indians on Tuesday allowing just 4 hits while walking 3 and fanning 5. With 3 walks, just 5 Ks and only 7 GBOs, Matsuzaka needed some defensive help and some bullpen help to top C.C. Sabathia who also pitched well, but got he both of those in abundance. Matsuzaka improves to 12-7 with the win, lowering his ERA to 3.71. Daisuke had been less than overwhelming in his previous three starts, losing two while allowing 13 runs in 16 IP (7.31) on 21 hits and 9 walks (1.87 WHIP). He will likely need to be just as good Sunday when Boston faces noted Red Sox-killer Scott Kazmir and the Rays.
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