The following is an excerpt from Brian McNally’s blog, Beanballs:
The Nationals don’t want to push their young pitchers too far past their career innings mark. Here are the total innings pitched by Nats starters and their previous career highs:
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John Lannan, 24
2008 » 182 (career high)
2009 » 160.2
Status » He’s probably okay. But there has to be concern he is wearing down given three poor starts in a row. Lannan has six starts left. That will push him to a new career high, but still under 200 IP.
Garrett Mock, 26
2005 » 174.1 (career high)
2009 » 104.1 (51 in MLB)
Status » Mock is well short of his career high in IP. He’s appeared in 33 games as a reliever in Washington and Syracuse and has made just 16 starts between the two. Should have the freshest arm.
Craig Stammen, 25
2008 » 150.2 (career high)
2009 » 141 (101 in MLB)
Status » The rookie has shown signs of fatigue. He’s a start or two from matching his career high. About 20 IP over is as far as Washington would dare go. Stammen would benefit most from an expanded bullpen and an extra starter.
For more Nationals buzz and analysis, visit Beanballs at washingtonexaminer.com.
