Rochester Recap: Kyle Gibson - The Good & The Bad

After going 5-3 on a recent eight game road trip against the Charlotte Knights (White Sox) and Gwinnett Braves (Braves), the Rochester Red Wings returned home this weekend to play four games against the Toledo Mud Hens (Tigers). After dropping the opener 8-1 last night, the Wings were hoping Kyle Gibson would be able to get them back to their winning ways.

Entering today’s game with a record of 5-5 in 12 starts this season, Gibson has won three of his last four games and has pitched six plus innings in all four of those starts. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

Per Terry Ryan, the only thing keeping Gibson in Rochester is a lack of consistency. Since Samuel Deduno, P.J. Walters, Pedro Hernandez and several others have been promoted to the Twins, opportunities to play in Minnesota have been available. However, the biggest name in the Red Wings' rotation remains in Rochester.

In today’s start, the overall numbers are mostly good. Gibson pitched seven innings giving up four hits, allowing one run, striking out six but also walking five. Thanks to a Brian Dinkelman home run and a Drew Butera sacrifice fly, Rochester went on to win the game 3-1; this gave Gibson his 6^th win of the season, improved his record to 6-5 and lowered his ERA to 3.16.

However the number that looms large in this start is the five walks. While the free passes didn't result in runs, they are still something you hate to see. It’s hardly going to be considered a bad start, but if you’re looking for an imminent promotion those walks might be an obstacle. Today, the Twins lead the league in fewest walks allowed with just over 2.6 per game and are tied for fewest in all MLB. Yielding walks is something Minnesota tends not to do.

The stats' splits between wins and losses are mind-blowing for Gibson. In his seven starts ending in a no-decision or loss, Gibson has pitched 34 innings, giving up 45 hits, 25 earned runs, 10 walks and 29 strikeouts, compiling a 6.62 ERA.

Compare this to the stats in the six wins Gibson has, and the numbers are jaw dropping: In those six winning starts, he’s pitched 45.2 IP with 22 H, 3 ER, 16 BB, and 40 strikeouts, producing a 0.60 ERA. When Gibson is on track he’s proven to be almost unhittable; when he struggles, it’s as though he’s a completely different pitcher.

While there is definitely an opportunity for Gibson to make his mark in Minnesota this year, it’s going to take a few more of the good outings and fewer of the mediocre to poor outings if he’s going to get the call to the Twins.

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