Injuries and Depth
Well we’ve got a long list of folks on the DL (7 to be exact), we’ve also got a lot of guys who have been day-to-day with various little freak nags and tweaks. Kotsay’s been sitting the last couple of games because he slept funny. Chipper hurt has back talking to reporters this morning. Yunel used his hand to bunt last night and is out with a bruised finger. KJs been out a couple games early this month. Frenchy has been running on a funny foot.
Yet, we really haven’t been hurt as much as you would think by the injury bug. Martin Prado has been filling in admirably around the infield, though more effective with the lumber than the leather. Brent Lillibridge had his major league debut today. Hopefully Yunel will be back quickly because Lillibridge isn’t quite there yet. He was awkward and uncomfortable when I saw him this spring. Three Ks at the plate today.
The bullpen is the area in which depth was more of a concern. The concerns were exacerbated with both Soriano and the durable Moylan going down. After a rough start, though the bullpen has been solid as of late. After one rough game, Acosta has been lights out. Blaine Boyer is finally getting his stuff together. Will Ohman has been lights out. Jorge Campillo has been strong. And Jeff Bennett has been an absolute savior, picking up starts and long relief when Hampton and Glavine broke themselves. We’ll have Soriano back within a couple of days and Mike Gonzales is scheduled to return mid-May, hopefully picking up the setup spot for Moylan
Tim Hudson had another rough start today. Two of his last three have lasted only 3 innings. His last start against Washington was effective, although not a great start. He scattered 10 hits. I’m still wondering if maybe something is not quite right with him as well. But Glavine will be back for his next start next week and we’ll probably be seeing Mike Hampton within a couple of weeks.
So, while our depth is helping us stay above water through an injury-strewn April, you’ve really got to figure that come August and September, this is a huge advantage for the Bravos.
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