The Bullpen Tranche and John Axford’s New Normal
May 22, 2014
Cavs get the first pick, Million Dollar Arm and Godzilla – WFNY Podcast – 2014-05-22
May 22, 2014
From shelled to the shelf. The Cleveland Indians placed starting pitcher Zach McAllister on the 15-day disabled list with what’s being called a lower back strain. McAllister (3-4) won three consecutive starts earlier this season but allowed eight runs in a 1 1/3-inning effort against the Oakland Athletics this past weekend. On Wednesday, against the Detroit Tigers, the righty lasted just two innings, allowing five runs on five hits (two home runs) and two walks.
This move leaves Justin Masterson, Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer and Josh Tomlin as the Tribe’s rotation. The team could either opt to place Carlos Carrasco back in a starting role, or promote the recently optioned Danny Salazar.
Other shuffling within the Tribe’s 40-man roster include the optioning of young left-hander Kyle Crockett to Triple-A Columbus, the transferring of Nyjer Morgan to the 60-day Disabled List, the recalling of left-handed pitcher TJ House and the purchasing of the contract of right-handed pitcher Mark Lowe, both from Columbus.
House, 24, was recently with the club from May 17-19, making his Major League debut in relief against Oakland. With Columbus, House has gone 1-2 with a 2.40 ERA in seven starts. His 2.40 ERA currently ranks ninth in the International League.
Lowe, 30, has spent the entire season to date with the Clippers, going 1-1 with eight saves and a 3.86 ERA in 16 relief appearances. He is currently fourth in the International League in saves (eight) and he has not allowed an earned run over his last seven games.
—
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
10 Comments
Interesting flurry of moves. If they were able to finagle House into the rotation for an emergency start with a DL trip, its odd that they’re still going to pitch Masterson on short rest.
Surprised it wasn’t whiplash!
Pretty convenient back strain for McAllister. He’s lucky he’s not in Columbus. I hope his recent performance really was due to injury because that 19.69 ERA in his last 3 starts makes Salazar and Carrasco look like Cy Young winners.
I figured they’d call up at least 2 pitchers after yesterday’s debacle (from a pitching standpoint, that is). Interesting to see Lowe get the nod over Herrman, Pestano, and Wood (I’m assuming Lee wasn’t available be cause he was just sent down). I remember him shutting down some pretty bad Tribe lineups circa 2009-10. I’m also glad House got the call. He’s no one’s top prospect but he’s quietly put together some numbers down in C-bus this year. Hope he gets a few starts.
I completely forgot about Herrmann
He didn’t throw that many pitches last time out, right? 70 or so?
Right, he probably should see minimal effects tonight, but you’re using House tonight or tomorrow either way. Why not just keep Masterson on four days rest?
No idea. Travel time? Adjustment time?
a Tribe pitcher with “Lowe” on the back? I’m not sure I’ve recovered enough to be okay with that one yet.
For the love of God, anyone but Carrasco.
Lowe was probably recalled so that he could easily be DFA’d for another player if need be. Could be Banwart for Friday’s start if they’re not committed to House making that start. Or perhaps they just think Pestano, Lee and Wood all need time down in CBus to make adjustments, whereas Lowe is basically the pitcher he is going to be.