The Mariners just announced that knuckleball pitcher R.A. Dickey, who’s been their best pitcher not named Felix the past two weeks, will start Friday night’s game against the Nationals.
It’s about time.
Dickey replaces Miguel Batista, who has struggled with injury and ineffectiveness most of this season. Dickey, working in long relief since he was called up late last month, if 1-1 witha 2.67 earned run average. He has allowed one earned run in his past 18 innings.
Whether Batista is hurt or being demoted because of his struggles isn’t clear. We’ll find out Friday when we have access to manager John McLaren and the players. It could be related to the elbow problem suffered by closer J.J. Putz in the ninth inning Wednesday. Putz’s condition won’t be known until Friday and Batista has experience in all bullpen roles (although it seems logical that Brandon Morrow would get most of the closing opportunities if Putz is out).
While Batista has complained about ailments to his back, foot and groin much of the season, his inability to pitch deep into games has frustrated the Mariners. He’s 2-7 with a 6.00 ERA and has pitched seven nnings just once in his past seven starts, including three starts of less than five innings. Even before Putz came out of Wednesday’s game, there’ve been calls from fans to yank Batista from the starting rotation and replace him with Dickey.
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