Yep, like in his rehab starts. His pitches need to look different. Otherwise, forget it.
Kluber went from the best BB/9 in the league last year to below average this year. It should be clear pretty quickly if he's back to 2022 form or not depending on whether he's throwing strikes.
Kluber seems like someone the Cardinals could use once they trade away half their pitching staff next week. There's value there. He can soak up some innings, maybe aiding in some light tanking momentum, and prevent them from starting the clock too early on any of their SP prospects. Certainly wouldn't bring back anyone of interest.
I've wondered if he was nursing an injury for the first half of the year and just didn't tell anyone for Ballplayer Reasons. But that's idle speculation that helps no one.
He's in Portland starting his rehab assignment. Starting at SS. Walked & scored a run in the 1st.
I just don't get it unless Story isn't ready to play nine innings at short. If this is about seeing more pitches, he was a better offensive option before he took a single swing on his rehab assignment. Chang's removal from the lineup can only make the lineup better.
I think what went unsaid is they want to see how Story reacts to playing back to back games, particularly playing a day game after a night game (full games each) which he did today. Assess how he feels tomorrow and go from there. No sense getting ahead of themselves and promising he'll be activated Friday. Maybe they'll change their mind if he feels good enough.
Houck will pitch for them on Saturday, and Whitlock could also pitch there Sunday:
The club isn't sure what their roles will be. They are thinking about maybe using Houck after Sale:
Story will play at least one more game for the Woo Sox, possibly more:
Sounds like Turner will be back for the next game, "hopefully":
I feel like there's no real reason to complain about them signing anyone to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training and a chance to earn a spot on the big league roster. (edit to add...well, maybe not the problematic types like Trevor Bauer or something)
I have zero issue with any player taking what they believe is the necessary amount of time to rehab. Beating up on AAA pitching is all fine and good, but its main usefulness is in allowing Story to get some semblance of his timing back with little pressure to win the game. Same with his fielding. We've seen too many guys rush back and either suck or get hurt again.
He wasn't feeling 100% on the days after playing. Probably still doesn't. Hopefully that stops soon.
He's not having to hold back on any of the throws:
I honestly took it as an opportunity Shank chose to slag Manny yet again. He was big on the "Manny would rather be in Pawtucket" train back in the day.
When was the last time a baseball writer of Shaughnessy's generation offered any sort of insight or exclusive reporting?
I mean, he said "more" than Manny, so it seems like he's attempting to slam Manny again, & slam Story even harder. Either way it's sad & kinda creepy, though.
