Wang couldn't even record an out in the second inning against the Rays last night. He walked three batters and surrendered six hits and eight runs. In his first start against the Orioles, he gave up seven runs over 3 2/3 innings; this gives him a 28.93 ERA for the season.
This definitely means bad news for the Yankees, especially if you consider the fact that he has never given up that many runs combined in two consecutive starts in his career.
Now, with Wang, you cannot just bench him or send him down to the minors. He is a proven ace, and is currently slated as the Yankees No. 2 starter.
The only plausible explanation for this disaster start for him is his health. Wang has told the Yankees' coaching staff and medical staff that he "feels fine," and he is not receiving any medical treatment according to Joe Girardi.
It is possible that he could work out these kinks over his next few starts, but I am not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel right now for him. He needs to keep his sinker low at all costs because he is getting hammered when he leaves anything up. Low strikes have always been his game and always will be.
Wang is automatically on a shorter leash than any other starter in the majors because he is under the control of the Steinbrenner family. He needs to get his act together quickly before major changes transpire.
2 comments:
Its always difficult to see the end of the tunnel for struggling starting pitchers. What sooner or later happens is that the struggling pitcher suddenly has a quality start. Once that happens, things usually sort out for good.
Wang's obvious problem is that he's leaving his pitches up in he zone, which makes him very hittable. Not to mention he's not throwing strikes. I think the Yankees are just waiting for him to get his s**t together. After all of these great seasons where he's proven he can win 20 games a season, it's hard to give up on him
Agreed. He's projected to start next against Fausto Carmona this Saturday. We'll see if he can start a turnaround.
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