As April came to a close, I was very alarmed at the state of our starting pitching. Aside from Johan Santana, everyone had an ERA over 5.00 and questions lingered about the makeup of the rotation.
John Maine had an ERA of 5.40, Mike Pelfrey was at 6.32, Livan Hernandez was at risk of losing his job with a 6.75 ERA, and Oliver Perez was yanked from the rotation with a 9.97 ERA.
There were concerns about John Maine’s recovery from surgery, fears of Mike Pelfrey and the Verducci Effect, and Livan Hernandez was on the verge of losing his spot, except that Oliver Perez beat him to it.
The concern hit a fever pitch when the Mets announced that newly resigned Oliver Perez was placed on the DL with a knee ailment.
Things were looking very bleak.
Then as May rolled around and April faded away, things started coming together for the rotation.
John Maine found his control, Mike Pelfrey’s sinker started to sink again, and Livan Hernandez was keeping the Mets in the game.
All three are now showing significant improvement this month and are a combined 7-2 with a 3.32 ERA. Here is the breakdown:
John Maine: 3.30 ERA 3-1
Mike Pelfrey: 3.34 ERA 2-1
Livan Hernandez: 3.33 ERA 2-0
While Maine, Pelfrey and Hernandez haven’t exactly blown anybody away, give them credit for the huge improvement and lets hope it continues as they get stronger and the weather gets warmer.
And as for Oliver Perez, he’s also coming along very well and recently pitched a solid game while rehabbing. He is now expected to pitch a rehab game in AAA, after which the Mets will determine if he is ready to rejoin the rotation.
I guess April showers do bring May flowers…
