D-backs manager Gibson may be sending Collmenter to the ‘pen
Apr 27, 2012, 9:17 PM | Updated: 10:43 pm
Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson has been very supportive
of struggling pitcher Josh Collmenter this season,
continually talking about how the right-hander was in
little danger of losing his spot in the rotation.
However, even Gibson’s loyalty has its limit, and perhaps
an 0-2 record with a 9.82 ERA through five regular season
starts is it.
Friday, before the team’s game with the Miami Marlins,
Gibson said Collmenter may be moving to the bullpen.
“We’re considering doing that,” he said when asked if he
was planning on giving Collmenter another start. “We may
move him to the bullpen, it’s a consideration.”
Gibson added that Collmenter may not make his scheduled
start on Monday.
“Kind of on a day-by-day thing we’ve been going on,” he
said. “We’re considering other options.”
This is the first time all season Gibson has inferred
Collmenter’s spot in the rotation is in danger, and,
really, it’s about time.
The Diamondbacks are just 1-3 in games the 26-year-old has
started, and with the team’s offense struggling to score
runs they cannot really afford to have issues on the
mound.
Who the team would replace Collmenter with remains to be
seen. Top prospects Trevor Bauer and Patrick Corbin have
been pitching
well for Double-A Mobile, and many feel like
they would be most likely choices should a move be made.
“It’s a possibility, yeah,” Gibson said about calling
someone up from the minors.
