Chris Paddack's Velocity is Down. Should David Festa Come Up?

Yes, looks like Paddock needs a rest and Festa has earned an opportunity. There is 40 man roster issue, someone would have to go to 60 day IL or be DFA'd/released.

Good article about a good suggestion. I do not see any downside to it. Thanks Cody.

I think it is likely prudent to give Paddack a break.  He was going to need a few just coming back from TJ.  I wouldn't mind giving Festa a shot, but what would his innings limit for this year be?  If added to the 40 man is he going to be available the whole season?  That being said he will need to added to the 40 at the end of the season to avoid being selected in Rule V draft so maybe just bite the bullet and make room early.

They still might give Varland one more try, but he hasn't seemed to fix the homer problem he seems to have. Hard to say what they will do, but it would be nice to see what Festa can do at the MLB level.

I would wait a little longer. Wouldn't want him to face Yankees in NY, but maybe against Pit?

2 minutes ago, Karbo said:

I would wait a little longer. Wouldn't want him to face Yankees in NY, but maybe against Pit?

IIRC, Varland's first start was in Yankee Stadium. He did pretty well.  It isn't optimum, but it might not be a bad idea.

I think giving Paddack a break might be the right move. Since his eight inning start in Cleveland, he has struggled although the results having been that bad. 

1 hour ago, stringer bell said:

IIRC, Varland's first start was in Yankee Stadium. He did pretty well.  It isn't optimum, but it might not be a bad idea.

I think giving Paddack a break might be the right move. Since his eight inning start in Cleveland, he has struggled although the results having been that bad. 

Wasn't that last season when the Yanks were having a down year? They seem to be playing very well this year.

3 hours ago, 4twinsJA said:

Yes, looks like Paddock needs a rest and Festa has earned an opportunity. There is 40 man roster issue, someone would have to go to 60 day IL or be DFA'd/released.

Isn't Paddock out of options> wouldn't he have to be the one going on IR?

1 hour ago, Muppet said:

This is all fine and well, but doesn't Paddack actually need to be injured to be placed on the IL? While every player in the MLB could potentially have one injury or another, it seemed that MLB was going to crack down with Eppler. Or maybe that was a special case?

My thoughts exactly. MLB is cracking down on the good 'ol Phantom IL trips.

Paddack's starts in order avg fastball velo., change from previous start negative numbers in ( ), change from 2 starts ago, First pitch strike %, pitch count,
94.4 Not Avail., Not Avail., 50.0%, 82 pitches
95.0 +0.6mph, Not Avail., 54.5%, 87 pitches
94.0 (1.0mph), (0.4mph), 63.3%, 89 pitches
94.2 +0.2mph, (0.8mph), 70.4%, 96 pitches
92.4 (1.8mph), (1.6mph), 62.5%, 95 pitches
94.3 +1.9mph, +0.1mph, 83 pitches
93.0 (1.3mph), +0.6mph, 99 pitches
92.9 -0.1mph, (1.4mph), 95 pitches
93.1 +0.2mph, +0.1mph, 100 pitches
91.8 (1.3mph), (0.4mph), 74 pitches
91.5 -0.3mph, (1.6mph),  88 pitches




When did the arm fatigue kick in? It would be suspect after throwing 99, 95, 100 pitches in 3 consecutive games, but he's already shown velocity drop offs like this previously in the season. If you watch the trend, he's been losing velocity pretty steady most of the season. It looks to me like Paddack is trading velocity for command.

35 minutes ago, saviking said:

Isn't Paddock out of options> wouldn't he have to be the one going on IR?

Yes, Paddack would go to IL, but remain on 40 man roster so if Festa called up someone else would need to be taken off 40 man roster.

53 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

Since Paddack pitched 8 innings, I have been advocating to bring Varland up in long relief. The whole rotation & short relief have been taking up the slack in the offense, They have been worn thin & need a breather. I wanted a BP game, Varland start & pitch as long as he can & later have Sands pitch at least a couple. That'll push back each SP a start. & Varland can stay up in that capacity. We still can do that or maybe bring up Festa (to get his feet wet & send him down) & keep Varland still in long relief. I think that'd be a good idea.

I'd rather bring somebody up who isn't getting caved in by AAA bats.

1 hour ago, Doctor Gast said:

Yeah, Soto has given them quite the shot in the arm.

Soto sure - and Judge being back is equally important. They both have a WAR of 3.1 at this point in the season.