Santiago Casilla: Casilla, who has been out with a strained elbow ligament, is on schedule for a return in the middle of June. If healthy, Casilla has shown the kind of skills; 10.2 K/9, 1.8 BB/9, and a 47% GB%, to step into the closer role if current closer Huston Street is traded.
Leo Nunez: The Royals placed Nunez on the DL with a right lat strain. He has pitched well, 1.71 ERA in 21 innings. When he returns, be aware that his control is on the borderline of trouble, 3.0 BB/9, and that he is enjoying some good fortune in the form of a .185 BHIP%.
Jarrod Washburn: The Mariners plan on skipping Washburn’s turn in the rotation this weekend, considering his performance this year, 6.54 ERA in 53.2 innings, it is a very good idea. With a .265 BHIP%, Washburn can’t even blame his misfortune on bad luck. He has allowed 8 home runs and 17 doubles, so hitter are clearly getting good wood on the ball against him. Avoid him in all formats.
Travis Hafner: Looking at his numbers,4/22/.217 in 157 AB, it is obvious that Hafner’s shoulder is bothering him. He received a cortisone shot on Tuesday and could return to the lineup today, although a trip to the DL is still a possibility. The loss of power last year, 2006/2007 home runs of 42/24, can be traced to an increased amount of ground balls, GB%’s of 39%/48%, but this year’s outage is being accompanied by a 42% GB%, meaning that he is lacking the strength to get the ball over the wall. This is a problem that does not look like it is going away anytime in the near future.
Mark Grudzielanek: The powerless Grudzielanek, 0/4/.290 in 155 AB, is beginning to lose playing time to Alberto Callaspo. At this point in his career, the soon-to-be 38 year-old offers no power or speed. With his plate patience below average, 7.2% BB%, his only good skill is a 86% Ct%. Since he really doesn’t hit the ball hard anymore, it is translating into an empty batting average.
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