Dodgers News: Mattingly Says Chris Capuano’s Spot Safe In Rotation
For as good as the Dodgers pitching staff has been, fifth starter Chris Capuano has struggled at times and been the weakest link. Signed to a two-year deal after Tommy John surgery last season, Capuano had to fight for his job in spring training and beat out veterans Aaron Harang and Ted Lilly.
However, after lasting five innings last night and giving up 15 runs in his last four starts, Capuano’s spot in the rotation is shaky at best. J.P. Hoonstra of the Los Angeles News Group talked to Don Mattingly about his rotation spot:
Chris Capuano’s job is safe. Mattingly: “There’s no plan to take him out. … We may still put Fifer in there to give guys an extra day.”
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) August 26, 2013
During his time in the Dodgers rotation, Capuano is 4-7 with a 4.74 ERA and hasn’t won a game since August 3 against the Chicago Cubs. Meanwhile, with rosters set to expand in five days, the Dodgers have Stephen Fife at Triple A and fans have been clamoring for Mattingly to insert him in place of Cap.
In nine starts this season, Fife is 4-3 with a 2.47 ERA, but has spent time recently dealing with inflammation in his right shoulder that put him on the disabled list. Since the Dodgers seem to not need Fife in the rotation, he’s been working in relief with Triple A Albuquerque and unfortunately hasn’t been finding much success.
Pitching just 4.1 innings, Fife allowed ten runs and many wonder whether or not he’s psychically fine at the moment. While things can definitely change, it sounds like Capuano will continue to get the ball every fifth day.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
In case you missed it, be sure to find out more about Vin Scully’s return next season!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvk4QbbsI34
3 Comments