Francisco Liriano is Solid, Philip Humber Struggles: The Rochester Report

The Redwings are currently in fifth place in the North Division of the International League. They sit 13 games behind first place Scranton.

Rochester went 2-4 last week, and have an overall record of 19-32.

The most talked about player in the Redwings' organization is obviously Francisco Liriano. He had a solid outing last Tuesday, pitching seven innings, scattering eight hits, and allowing two runs in a 3-2 loss to Syracuse. Liriano has had a total of four starts since he was sent down to Triple-A, and has compiled a 2.77 ERA in 26 innings of work. He is getting more velocity on his pitches, as well as more control. 60 percent of his pitches have been strikes during his minor league tenure.

Philip Humber continues to struggle. He was a key part of the Santana trade, and Minnesota has a lot invested in him. He has pitched 12 games for the Redwings, and is 1-5 with 5.89 ERA. He has a 1.80 WHIP in 44.1 innings of work, and has a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 24/28. Not surprisingly, opponents are batting .317 against him. He was roughed up last Thursday, giving up seven runs (six earned) in 3.2 innings during a loss to Pawtucket.

Another key part of the Santana trade with the Mets was Kevin Mulvey. He isn't preforming as well as the Twins had hoped, as he is 2-6 with a 4.36 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 39K/20BB, and a .290 average against through 43.1 innings of work.

Tim Lahey, Rochester's closer, is doing an average job so far this season. Mariano Gomez is pitching the best so far on the pitching staff, as he has an outstanding 2.45 ERA, and 23K/6BB in 29.1 innings of work.

The bats aren't faring much better than the pitching. With the recent call-ups and injuries of quite a few Redwings, there isn't much in this lineup. Denard Span was hitting very well before his brief call-up, batting .327/.431/.471. He also has 14 stolen bases in 18 attempts.

Darnell McDonald is the second-best batter for Rochester, hitting .314/.372/.559. Also worth mentioning is Jose Morales, who went 9 for 20 this week and is now batting .294/.314/.382.

This week's schedule includes a four game homestand against Charlotte, and four games against Scranton. They then head to Buffalo for the beginning of a seven game road trip.