Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Astros have slowly been working Erik Bedard. They have basically been treating the start of the season as extended Spring Training for Bedard. For the first two starts, it worked just fine. But after that, not so much. He has been running his pitch count up high, and in his third start, he couldn’t even make it out of the first inning. He is going to need to rebound from his bad start in order to get back on track.
Bedard has always had the ability to be a good pitcher, he just couldn’t stay healthy. During Spring Training, he ended up getting injured, and he is still trying to get into game form. It hasn’t been the best decision. If Bedard can’t turn it around soon, we may see the Astros call someone up to take his spot to perform. This isn’t unnatural for the Astros. They had a very short leash on Brett Wallace before sending him down, and I wouldn’t think they would be afraid to send down, or cut, Bedard if he can’t perform.
The Astros already have two long men in the bullpen who can jump into the starting rotation if need be. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Paul Clemens, Travis Blackley or Jose Cisnero take a rotation spot of a couple struggling starters.
Blackley has been pitching well since his Astros debut. Since he is a left handed pitcher, I could see him taking over Bedard’s spot in the rotation if he continues to pitch poorly.
However, if Bedard can rebound from his rough start, and pitch well, he may be able to stay in the rotation. Granted, he has to be healthy.
It won’t be easy. Bedard will be taking on the beast from the east in the Boston Red Sox in tonight’s game two of a four game series. He’ll have to be on top of his game in order to bounce back and prove he can still pitch.
