Skipping Washburn

The Detroit Tigers hopes at a deep playoff run could depend on how quick Jarrod Washburn’s bulky left knee heals. The starters next turn in the rotation is being skipped in hopes that it will help him long term. The troubling thing here thou, is that one skipped start will most likely not help.

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“It’s not new news,” Washburn said. “It’s been bothering me for three or four months.”

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While looking at his splits you wouldn’t be able to tell this problem has lasted for so long.

April - 3-1 with a 3.42 era
May - 0-2 with a 3.48 era
June - 1-2 with a 2.81 era
July - 4-1 with a 1.44 era
August - 1-2 with a 6.81 era

What you could conclude is that his knee has gotten much worse in the month of August. And that maybe some time off could get him ready for the postseason. Key word being could.

What I actually wonder is if the trade had a psychological effect on him. Since being traded to the Tigers he’s had only two quality starts in his six appearances with the team, with only one being a truly solid start.

He’s become a homerun magnet as well, giving up 11 of his season total in August alone. What I wonder is if its Comerica Park? He’s started at home five times, and only had one good appearance. That was eight innings of shut out ball against the lowly Kansas City Royals. His one road appearance was against the Angels, where he only gave up three runs in six innings.

This makes me wonder if there is more to his struggles then a bulky knee. I could be wrong but could Comerica just be the wrong stadium for his abilities?

The one thing I do know, is the Tigers better get him straight. For them to make a successful run in the postseason they’re going to need Washburn at his best.