Mix of vets, youngsters have solidified rotation
Fourteen different pitchers started games last year for the Nationals. It was another revolving-door rotation for a franchise long known as the last stop for pitchers on their way to nowhere.
But don’t count on any Billy Trabers, Levale Speigners or Micah Bowies surfacing this year. The Nats’ rotation finally appears in capable and stable hands.
Washington starters have compiled a 3.30 ERA, lasted at least five innings in all 15 games, and combined for 10 quality starts. Only two major league teams had more quality starts entering Monday.
| Up next |
| Nationals at Cardinals |
| John Lannan (1-1) vs. Jake Westbrook (1-1) |
| When » Tuesday, 8:15 p.m. |
| Where » Busch Stadium, St. Louis |
| TV » MASN |
| Radio » 106.7 FM, 1500 AM |
“We’ve really pitched good,” Nats manager Jim Riggleman said. “Pretty much each time through, our starters have given us every opportunity to win.”
When Washington (8-7) opens a three-game series at St. Louis on Tuesday, the staff gets its toughest test to date. The Cardinals (8-8) rank No. 2 in the major leagues in runs scored (88) and No. 3 in batting (.290) behind sluggers Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman.
While the Nats wait and hope for injured Stephen Strasburg to assume the role of staff ace, their collection of bottom-of-the-rotation veterans and blossoming young pitchers have exceeded expectations.
Livan Hernandez (2-1, 2.88 ERA) and Jason Marquis (1-0, 3.26) have three quality starts each. Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, 24, (1-2, 2.45) and 26-year-old lefty John Lannan (1-1, 3.38) have shown potential to break through.
It’s a long way from nine months ago, when Marquis was on the disabled list during his worst season (2-9, 6.60 ERA) as a pro; Zimmermann was in the minor leagues, rehabbing from Tommy John surgery; and Lannan was in the minors, trying to find his wind-up and his head.
“We had a couple guys in there who were banged up last year quite a bit,” Riggleman said. “They’ve regrouped and have really taken us deep into games.”
While Nats pitchers have consistently kept the team in games, the Nats could be close to NL East leader Philadelphia (10-4) with a better offense. Washington has more quality starts leading to losses (four) than any team in baseball.
Pitching coach Steve McCatty says the formula has been elementary — throw strikes. It’s a lesson he learned under Billy Martin as a starter for the Oakland A’s three decades ago.
“Billy Martin used to say, ‘The only play that we can’t defend is a walk,’?” McCatty said. “If you give your guys a chance to make plays, good things will happen.”
With 42 walks, including only 21 in 90 innings from the starters, the Nats have the second fewest in all of baseball, behind only the loaded staff of the Philadelphia Phillies (32).
“It’s a simple game,” McCatty said. “What did they teach you when you first started pitching, when you’re in Little League? Throw strikes. Throw the ball over the plate. If they swing the bat, you have a chance.”
