Brett Davis – USA TODAY Sports
I never thought I’d see the name ‘Humber’ on the back of a Houston Astros jersey ever again. After being dropped by the Chicago White Sox a short time after throwing a perfect game, Philip Humber has done nothing to merit a prolonged stay on a major league roster. He doesn’t even belong on the worst team in MLB‘s roster, and here’s why:
0-8, 9.59 ERA, 38 earned runs in 35.2 innings, 15 walks/20 strikeouts, .354 OBA.
Those are what could be referred to as unflattering stats. Nothing good can be said of Philip Humber. He was given way too long of an opportunity, never won a game, and averaged giving up over a run per inning pitched.
So he deserves a call up?
The only possible explanation is that this is his last chance before the Astros part ways with the righty, who at 30 years-old doesn’t have the potential to get much better.
As for the report that since he went down to Triple-A, he’s sorted out his problems: False.
Since being in Triple-A, he’s thrown 50 innings, given up 26 earned runs, seven home runs, and amassed a 4.68 ERA with an OBA of .254.
That isn’t sorting out your problems. That’s an ineffective MLB pitcher’s Triple-A stats. His stats for the Oklahoma City RedHawks would fit right into the ineffective bullpen that the Astros have been valiantly cleaning up as of late, with the departures of Wesley Wright, Hector Ambriz, and Travis Blackley.
So why give this has-been (if he ever even was) another shot, when he doesn’t fit in with anything the Astros are currently trying to do? They’re getting younger and cleaning up the bullpen. Humber isn’t young and dirties the bullpen.
He has looked downright horrible at times. In his final relief appearance in the majors, Humber threw .2 innings and gave up five earned runs. In his final start, he squeezed out four innings and gave up eight earned runs.
Again, why does that deserve a call-up?
If it’s based solely off of Triple-A performances, why isn’t Jason Stoffel or Asher Wojciechowski getting the call? There are handfuls of better, younger guys who have yet to try out the majors who deserve this promotion so much more.
Hopefully it’s only to give Humber one last shot before being sent away for good.
Follow Josh Sippie on Twitter, like him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
