Posted on September 29, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Roy Oswalt pitched shutout ball for seven innings to defeat the Pirates on Thursday. The Astros won their ninth in a row after waiting out a 3 1/2-hour rain delay. Oswalt improved to 9-1 in his last 13 starts to end the year 15-8 with a 2.98 ERA. If only the Astros had a respectable offense early on, Oswalt would likely be the Cy Young favorite right now. Still, Brandon Webb, the only NL pitcher with a superior ERA, would be more deserving either way. Including Thursday’s win Roy Oswalt is now 17-2 in his last 22 September starts. He’s also got a 51-16 record for his career after the All-Star break.
The tendinitis in Chad Tracy’s left knee has been flaring up more frequently, the Arizona Republic reports. Bob Melvin said Tracy, if he’s able, likely will make at least a couple more starts during the final three home games. Melvin added that prolonged rest after the season should help alleviate the problem. The Diamondbacks will want to put their best lineup on the field for the entire series against the Padres this weekend, so Tracy might not get another day off. Then again, it’s very debatable whether Tracy has any place in the club’s best lineup with his performance of late.
Despite eight walks, Doug Davis beat the Cardinals by allowing one run and two hits in six innings on Thursday night. He struck out seven. Exactly half of his 114 pitches were strikes. Command was the problem for Davis all year long, as he finishes 11-11 with a 4.91 ERA. He walked 102 to go along with his 159 strikeouts in 203 1/3 innings. Still, although it was his worst showing with the Brewers, he ends up at .500 for the third straight season. He went 12-12 with a 3.39 ERA in 2004 and a 11-11 with a 3.84 ERA last year.
Bob Melvin says he isn’t considering pulling Brandon Webb from his final scheduled start Sunday in order to keep Webb’s numbers where they are to help his Cy Young candidacy, the Arizona Republic reports. A rough outing conceivably could damage Webb’s chances of winning the award. “I haven’t even looked at that,” Melvin said. “It would be more if I felt there was a physical problem with Webby or he’s thrown too many innings. But the way he pitched (Tuesday) and the fact he’s been extremely healthy since that (elbow) problem he had, I don’t see any reason not to (let him pitch) right now.
Mike Jacobs has left the Marlins for personal reasons and will not return for the season’s final three games. The team didn’t elaborate. Wes Helms could start the remainder of the games at first base. Jacobs ends his first full season at .262/.325/.473 with 20 homers and 77 RBI in 469 at-bats. Since he hit just .184 against lefties, the Marlins could employ him strictly as a platoon player next year, something that would result in a higher average.
Adam Dunn went 0-for-4 and struck out for the 191st time Thursday against the Marlins. Dunn is hitless this week and is at .145 in 76 at-bats this month. If he didn’t already hold the single-season record for strikeouts at 195, the Reds would likely consider having him sit out a game or two this weekend. As is, it really doesn’t matter.
Khalil Greene has been limited to pinch-running duty since mid August because of the torn ligment in his left middle finger, but he could be close to being able to return to the lineup, according to the Union-Tribune. Greene had his most challenging hitting session yesterday since he went on the disabled list Aug. 18, and although manager Bruce Bochy said Greene “didn’t look quite as comfortable,” he thinks Greene is almost there. “I think he has turned the corner and is going to get better every day,” Bochy said. “It should be real soon, two to three days, where I’d feel comfortable putting him in.
Brad Lidge got a chance to close out a three-run lead against the Pirates on Thursday and pitched a perfect ninth for his 32nd save. Lidge pitched two innings last night, but he threw just 25 pitches, which is 21 fewer than it took Dan Wheeler to get through three. Wheeler will probably be the choice to close if another save situation arises on Friday.