Almost a year ago to the day, the San Diego Padres placed RHP Chris Young on the 15-day DL because of right shoulder tightness after just one start. At the time, I wrote that when Young comes off the DL, he should be put in the bullpen.
My logic at the time was that it was a proven fact that Young couldn’t stay healthy, and putting him in the pen might help preserve his arm. It’s pretty clear that Young’s arm can’t handle throwing 90-100 pitches every five days.
I also thought, based on his arm angle in which he delivers the ball to home plate, and the fact that hitters at the time were hitting just .208 against him the first time around in the order, he would make a good reliever.
One year later, Young once again has been placed on the DL, and my thoughts on him moving to the bullpen haven’t changed.
The New York Mets placed Young on the DL today with bicep tendinitis. In two starts with the Mets, Young has a 1.46 ERA and has K’d 12 in 12.1 IP.
Why not put him in the bullpen and see what happens? Yes, the Mets need starting pitching, but as sad as it may be, they need bullpen help more.
When Young comes back, why not make him the eighth inning guy?
Also consider, if Francisco Rodriguez finishes 55 games this season, his $18.5 million option gets activated for next year. That is something the Mets would love to avoid.
Potentially, the Mets can even audition Young for the closer job in 2012.
The Mets’ organization needs to start thinking outside the box, and moving Young to the pen would be a good start.
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