Scott Baker struggles for Texas Rangers; Joe Saunders up next?
The Texas Rangers have been struck with a plethora of major injuries this season. With injuries to Derek Holland, Martin Perez, Tanner Scheppers among others, the Rangers have been using a make-shift rotation. Scott Baker got his turn on Friday night, but was stung badly by a hot Detroit Tigers lineup.
Baker allowed six runs in six innings, despite being handed a two run lead heading into the second frame. Baker spoke to MLB.com after the game, about his poor start;
"“For the most part I was doing damage control out there,” Baker said. “It really hurt that guys continued to get on inning after inning and put you out of the stretch. It was not an ideal situation.”"
With the Rangers, who are seven games behind the Oakland Athletics, desperately looking to kickstart their season, Joe Saunders may be up next. Saunders who had been in the rotation, prior to getting injured, was impressive in his AAA start, according to Ken Rosenthal.
Baker struggled for #Rangers on Friday night. Next up in rotation could be Joe Saunders, who said he threw 92-95 in most recent AAA start.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 24, 2014
Saunders was surprised by his higher velocity after working on his mechanics with #Rangers Triple A pitching coach Brad Holman.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 24, 2014
Saunders had struggled mightily in his stint in the rotation this season, posting an abysmal 9.82 ERA in only one start, before heading to the DL. His solid minor league start, may give him another chance to gain a spot in the struggling rotation.