When tonight’s Reds starter Edinson Volquez made his Major League debut, he was 21 years old and a phenom out of the Texas Rangers’ system. He struggled mightily that year, going 0-4 with an ERA of 14.21.
Over the next two years, he would improve but not by much. In 2006 and 2007, he was 3-7 with a 5.90 ERA. While his strike out totals improved in 2007 to a shade under one K per inning, the Rangers opted to trade the youngster for Josh Hamilton last winter. It’s been a win-win trade for both teams.
On the season, Volquez has been one of the top NL pitchers. He’s 9-2 with a 1.64 ERA. In 88 innings, he’s given up 29 fewer hits per innings pitched, but he’s walked a batter an inning every two innings. His 105 strike outs are rather impressive.
Volquez is a study in patience with youth. He made his debut just a few weeks after his 22nd birthday, and now he has matured into a pitcher everyone thought he would be. Keep that mind when next you disparage Phil Hughes for a bad start this year.
On the mound for the Yankees is Father Time himself, going for his 11th win. Mike Mussina will have to pitch a tight game to give the Yankees an opening they’ll need against Volquez. Game time is 7:05 p.m.
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Molina C
Mussina P
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