Todd Jones has been reinstated from the disabled list and will be available to pitch tonight. To make room for Jones, Chris Spurling was optioned to Toledo.
With Jones coming back, one of three pitchers were likely to be sent down. The group included Spurling, Jordan Tata, and Jason Grilli. Spurling and Grilli have had similar results. However, Jason Grilli would have had to clear waivers where Spurling had options remaining.
As for Tata, I thought he would still be the choice. He’s been fairly effective in his 3 outings, mostly because he’s limited the opposition to 4 hits in 8 2/3 innings. The downside to Tata is that he has walked 7 batters in those 8+ innings while only striking out 4. So while his results have been good, he may be walking a fine line. Also, I would have guessed the organization would have liked to get him more starting experience in Erie/Toledo.
Spurling has been downright awful this season. He may have only given up 4 earned runs thus far, but worse he’s not protected any of the pitchers he’s followed. He’s inherited 6 runners and allowed 4 to score. He’s got to do a better job keeping those from scoring.
Keep up the good work with the site.