Jake Odorizzi began his season with a bang with a stellar second start of the year. Unlike the first the first start of the year he opted to throw split-changeup less and the cutter more. This is significant because by throwing the cutter he was able to generate more ground balls and get outs more quickly. Last year he only averaged 5.1 innings per start and ranked 15th among starting pitchers in strikeout rate. The reason why he didn’t go deep into games was due to pitch inefficiency, but it was that inefficiency that led to the high strikeout rate.
The fact both of his starts have been much longer than 5.1 innings is great, but it looks as though it’s going to come at the expense of the strikeout rate. It’s only two starts so it’s hard to gleam any significant takeaways. The bottom line is he is evolving as a pitcher.
Mark Canha has played in six straight games at both left field and first base. He’s going to play first base against lefties and left field against righties. He’s not a good defender at either position, but he’s hitting and making hard contact. He’s not going to continue to hit .300-plus, but I can see a .250-.260 batting average with 20-plus home runs assuming everyday at-bats. With Canha playing a lot means Craig Gentry will again be relegated to a platoon player against lefties.
Jason Grilli had an extremely shaky outing against the Marlins, allowing three hitters to reach base. It’s a matter of time before his luck runs out and he’s removed as the closer. Jim Johnson has actually looked so far this season. If I’m a Grilli owner and I have the bench spot I would add Johnson.
I caught a couple of the innings of the Brandon McCarthy start and despite the box score I would remain patient with him. The home run to Nelson Cruz was a little fluky as the pitch was down and away and Nelson just flipped the bat out and the ball landed in the first two rows. The stuff is still there and he’s been unlucky with the BABIP.
