Friday, June 30, 2017

On Gibson, Hughes and Jorge

SOG -- Same old Gibson.

Paul Molitor, speaking about Kyle Gibson's start after the game, called Thursday "one of his better nights," and perhaps it was in some ways. But Gibson walked the leadoff hitter in the fatal fifth inning, surrendered a pair of crucial extra-base hits after falling behind in the count and messed up a key defensive play when he failed to remember that the "wheel play" was on.

It wasn't all his fault. Jorge Polanco was charged with an error, and the Red Sox turned a couple of jam shots to their advantage. Still, it was another example of how damage control is not Gibson's forte. Big innings seem to find him, in no small part because he sends the invitation.

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Phil Hughes made his relief debut Thursday night: 1.2 innings, two strikeouts, one hit and two inherited runners stranded.

Velocity in the low 90s, which is about as hard as he's thrown this year. I'll call it an encouraging start to this bullpen experience.

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I published this post on Jorge almost two years ago. This year, pitching in Double A, he's put up a 8-1 record with a 3.26 ERA, which looks pretty good, but he's also allowed more hits than innings pitched, his home run rate has elevated and his walk and strikeout rates are both among the worst of his minor league career. (His stat lines are here.)

It will be a one-day callup. He's not ready for a major league rotation role even if the Twins are inclined to open one up.


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