Zach Duke Pittsburgh Pirates Ace?

What is up with the Pirates young left-hander, Zach Duke. He started out pitching like a CY Young contender. In his first three starts he was 2-0 with a 2.37 era and a 1.21 whip.

In next five starts he's gone 0-4 with a 8.20 era and 2.24 whip. First thoughts would be a possible nagging injury. However, the fact his pitch counts have been going up and an impressive May 7 outing against a very good hitting St. Louis Cardinals ball club, would indicate that he is healthy.

There has not been much said in Pittsburgh about Duke. However, after his Saturday May 1 performance against the Dodgers, Pirates manager John Russell had this statement about him. "He's better than that, he made a few mistakes tonight, and he's better than that."

Sounds like a frustrated manager to me. Hopefully pitching coach Joe Kerrigan can get Duke back on track. Last season, Kerrigans first in Pittsburgh, he helped him improve from a disappointing 2008 season (5-14 with a 4.82 era) to the potential ace of the 2009 staff (11-15 with a 4.06 era).

On a brighter note,the rest of the rotation appears to have it together. Paul Maholm is 2-1 4.50 era in his last five starts, Charlie Morton is 1-2 4.00 era in his last three starts, Brian Burres is 2-0 0.00 era in his last two starts and Ross Ohlendorf is 0-1 3.00 era in his two starts.

This is a young rotation that shows a lot of promise. If Duke bounces back soon, this team is capable of catching many by surprise.

GO BUCS!