Javier Vazquez Continued a Positive Trend

Javier Vazquez pitched a great game against the Baltimore Orioles last night that has left some fans excited, and others bemoaning the Orioles lack of offensive punch.

While it is true that the Orioles offense is bad, they’re last in the majors in runs scored per game, but it is also true that games against them do count. Vazquez needs to pitch well not just against the Yankees rivals, but bad teams like the Orioles too.

He pitched well last night too. While it is hard to say that he could have done the same thing against the Red Sox, his fastball was crisp, often at 91 MPH when he needed it to be, and his breaking pitches were being thrown for strikes. When he is pitching like that he should more often than not be effective no matter who the team is.

He also continued a positive trend that has taken place over his last five appearances:

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5 G, 4 GS, 3-2 record, 2.77 ERA, 26 IP, 18 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 8 BB, 23 SO, 2 HR, .202 BAA, .618 OPSA.

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That includes a rough game against the Twins. So no matter who the opponent is, Vazquez has been pitching well of late and it is time more people started recognizing it. Although we do know what happened last time he got everyone’s hopes up.

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