Throwing Edinson Volquez into the Lions Den has turned out to be a bad move.
He looked fantastic the first time out, but since then has been unrecognizable.
In only 12 innings he has given up 14 hits, 11 earned runs, ten walks and surrendered three long balls. All that pans out to an ERA of 8.25.
Apparently he has been thrown to the wolves much too early after having Tommy John surgery. He performed very well in his rehab assignments at Louisville, but his second and third starts have been horrendous.
I believe it was a mistake to bring him up so soon. They need to send him back down for more work and bring Matt Maloney back up.
In his two starts with the Reds, Maloney was only one out away from pitching quality games in each. His totals prior to being sent down to Louisville were 11 IP, 11 H, 4 ER with 2 B and a HR. An ERA of 3.09 and a WHIP of 1.14 belie his 0-2 record. His ERA+ is 140.
Being deadlocked with the Cardinals in the NL Central this late leaves little room for experimentation. Volquez should be on the next bus to Kentucky to make room for Maloney.
Since being down at Louisville, Maloney has won both his starts and had two quality appearances, giving up a total of 1 ER.
When engaged in a playoff hunt, every game means something. The worst thing to do is sit and do nothing. Just watching and continue to throw the former All-Star into the fray with hitters who are on their game will not get the job done.
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