The Third Man wrote:The difference is that he's already been in the majors for two years.
That has nothing to do with it. He hasn't even turned 21 yet. Heavy workloads before the age of about 25 are associated with injuries and loss of effectiveness.
I don't disagree but I don't think his workload has been "heavy" and I think the Mariners are definitely being careful with him, but at some point he does have to build up some durability and longevity. I'd say he should've been brought out after, say, the 7th...the 6th, he only had like 85 pitches.
The Third Man wrote:I don't disagree but I don't think his workload has been "heavy" and I think the Mariners are definitely being careful with him, but at some point he does have to build up some durability and longevity. I'd say he should've been brought out after, say, the 7th...the 6th, he only had like 85 pitches.
I agree. Pitch count isn't nearly as abusive as letting a pitcher "labor" on the mound. King Felix was cruising. I thought that Zambrano's 92 pitches in only 5 innings yesterday was far more troubling than Hernandez' 111.