Williams Perez just hasn’t been the same player since returning from the disabled list. The righty has a 9.87 ERA in his six starts since returning. That’s 34 earned runs in 31 innings. Yea, those numbers are accurate. After his start on Friday, the team made the decision to demote Perez to AAA Gwinnett, recalling Jake Brigham. The team has no made no announcement as to who will start in place of Perez for Wednesday’s contest against the Miami Marlins. The Braves actually have a ton of options… they just aren’t great ones. Let’s take a look at the possible Wednesday scenarios:
Williams Perez get call when roster expand, starts Wednesday
I’m not ruling out a potential Perez start on Wednesday. Rosters expand on Tuesday, and it’s very possible the Braves wanted an extra bullpen arm between now and then. Perez has been abysmal in 2015’s second half, and this could be a much needed reality check for the youngster. If I’m in charge, I’m letting my starter who showed potential early in the season a shot to prove his worth to the Braves’ brass.
A Bullpen-by-Committee
The Braves have a ton of arms in their bullpen with a ton of stamina. Sugar Ray Marimon’s arm is stretched out, as he has just been called up a handful of days after starting games for AAA Gwinnett. Ross Detwiler’s arm is not stretched out, but he has started games for the Nationals and Rangers. Given that and his lack of success as a starter this season, Detwiler would not be our most viable option to start the game. Edwin Jackson is in the same boat as Detwiler, a starter who has transitioned to the bullpen. Jake Brigham… may not be on the team tomorrow after his performance today. He also logged a ton of innings Sunday. He has been starting games for Gwinnett, however. Any of these guys could end up starting Wednesday, with each of these guys tossing 2 or 3 innings. I’m not a huge fan of the idea, as the Braves bullpen has struggled enough and being shorthanded is like playing with fire for these guys. However, that gives me more reason to believe Fredi Gonzalez will go with the approach… Manny Banuelos is going to be utilized out of the bullpen in September, so if he gets the call don’t make the assumption he will be taking the hill to start on Wednesday. He has only been pitching a couple innings at a time in his rehab appearances.
Greg Smith or Ryan Weber gets promoted as roster expand
Greg Smith has had a nice season starting for AAA Gwinnett. The 31-year old has not made a major league appearance since 2010, but has compiled a 2.52 ERA down on the farm this season. He could eat some innings so that the Braves won’t have to be short on arms. Hell, Jonny Gomes pitched for us last week. At this point, screw it. Smith is penciled in to pitch Monday for Gwinnett, but a couple of days extra rest never hurts. Ryan Weber is a guy who has had a ton of success but has stayed under the radar for AAA Gwinnett. The 25-year old was drafted by the team in the 22nd Round back in 2009 and has worked his way up the farm system. He has made mostly relief appearances for AA Mississippi and AAA Gwinnett this season, but has recently been starting games and could very well get the call on Wednesday.
My gut is to go with Williams. What do you think Braves fans?