Problem with Moylan?

[quick]

Moylan has been Mr. Reliable, but lately he has allowed many inherited runners to score (3 last night) and he has been very hittable, and hasn't thrown that many strikes. Bobby has used him a ton--is he hurt? Does he just need some rest?

What is the problem with Moylan?

FYI: He has given up 25 hits in 22.1 innings, 4 walks per 9, the highest it has been since he's been pitching (beginning in 2006), and his WHIP is 1.612, the highest it has been since he's been pitching.

[sdp]

His work load is finally catching up with him. He's pitched in 95.2 innings since Tommy John and five times in the last eight days. He needs some rest.

[jlcct]

He looks like he could benefit from hitting the gym a little too.

[Lauren T.]

He's never been thin. I think he just needs to rest his arm.

[KB 34]

Moylan and OF are tied for 4th most appearances by NL relievers. I wish the Braves would start using some of their back relievers more often since they'll need relievers like Moylan a lot later in the season when players are banged up and all, and hopefully the Braves are in the playoff picture.

[Devil Wears Prado]

Product of Cox's bullpen management.

[Wahoo]

Product of Cox's bullpen management.

I don't think that's the case at all. When I saw him pitch back in early May, his velocity was down, and it's still down. I think he's injured. His sliders haven't been crisp and he's fastballs have been barely touching 88. Whatever the case, he is incredibly hittable right now, which is why I cringe whenever we bring him into a game.

[Wahoo]

Then the question becomes..."Did Cox hurt him last year with the 87 million games he pitched in?"

Fair question. I don't know. It's possible, but generally speaking, his throwing style is supposed to be less stressful for the arm. I think it's plausible, so maybe I should revise my previous assertion.

[Abaddon]

I don't think that's the case at all. When I saw him pitch back in early May, his velocity was down, and it's still down. I think he's injured. His sliders haven't been crisp and he's fastballs have been barely touching 88. Whatever the case, he is incredibly hittable right now, which is why I cringe whenever we bring him into a game.

His velocity has been fine lately. On Saturday he was working between 89-91. Last year he gained velocity as the year went on. Granted he was coming off surgery, but he may be gaining arm strength as the year goes on. The only thing I've really seen is his control of his sinker within the strike zone has been shaky.

Just checked his stats, and in 2009 and 2007 his ERA gets better as the season progresses. I'm too lazy to post them right now, though. Once Jurrjens is back he'll likely get a break in the pen a bit, but hopefully he can last 'til then as he'll have to pitch a heavy load right now.

[Andy G.]

Welcome to Chopnation Abaddon! I agree with you. I think we need to give Moylan more time before making any conclusions about his health or anything like that. It's not unlikely that he's just having a bad start this year. He may be a monster in the second half just like last season.

[jlcct]

Just checked his stats, and in 2009 and 2007 his ERA gets better as the season progresses.
A very good point. Not to say I'm not still concerned but this is something I hadn't thought about.

[jlcct]

Oh yeah. N hello. Welcome. Hi.

[quick]

Moylan had a tough night again last night. Bobby needs to give him 4 consecutive days off, and give HayWood the rest of this series off; he had 3 SO last night, I believe. That thumb must be bugging him.