D-backs have options to replace Duke in rotation
Jun 29, 2011, 9:53 PM | Updated: Jun 30, 2011, 2:55 am
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks could be looking for a new fifth starter in the near future to replace the struggling Zach Duke.
Duke was strong out of the gate compiling a 2.37 ERA in his first three starts only allowing five earned runs in 19 innings of work.
However, in his last four starts, Duke has amassed a 9.37 ERA giving up 20 earned runs in only 19 innings pitched.
Overall, he has a 5.94 ERA which isn’t very good for a team in contention for a playoff spot.
The Diamondbacks have a couple different options they can go when they decide they’ve seen enough from Duke.
They could go the easy route and insert Micah Owings, currently on the team in the bullpen, to the starting rotation.
Owings has been solid this season, but hasn’t started a game since May 26th.
Arizona could give Barry Enright another opportunity.
After being sent down earlier in the year due to ineffectiveness, Enright has rebounded in Triple-A Reno where he has won his last six starts.
Overall, he’s 7-2 with a 3.99 ERA in 10 starts in the Minors.
Maybe the best option for the Diamondbacks would be Double-A starter Wes Roemer who isn’t even on the 40-man roster.
Roemer is 4-4 this season with a 3.93 ERA in 15 starts in Mobile.
However, he has struggled lately in his last four starts going 0-3 with a 7.17 ERA.
It’s hard to tell which avenue the Diamondbacks will turn to first, but most likely you will be seeing one of these guys in the starting rotation if Duke continues to falter.
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