“Next man up” is a phrase commonly used in football, but perhaps it’s time to adopt it for starting pitchers in the big leagues. Baseball has been hit hard recently by injuries to star pitchers, forcing teams to resort to back up plans they would have preferred to avoid.
Here are some starters who have been sidelined, along with the steps being taken to fill their shoes.
Gerrit Cole, Yankees: With Cole dealing with elbow issues, New York had an extra spot in the rotation. Luis Gil, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery, seized the opportunity with a strong showing in spring training.
Despite allowing three runs in nine innings so far, Gil’s high strikeout and walk numbers indicate room for improvement.
Spencer Strider, Braves: Last season’s 20-game winner, Strider, is out for the year following elbow surgery. Allan Winans filled in against the New York Mets but struggled, allowing six earned runs in five innings. Top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver is struggling in Triple-A, so the 25-year-old Darius Vines is expected to start the next game against Houston.
Shane Bieber, Guardians: Cleveland learned of Bieber’s need for Tommy John surgery over a week ago. With a rainout on April 7 and an off day on Thursday, the Guardians managed with their other starters.
However, the upcoming series against Boston will see Xzavion Curry and Ben Lively making their 2024 debuts, signaling a shift in the rotation.
Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez, Astros: Houston has been missing Verlander since the beginning of the season, and recently, Valdez got sidelined for a bit. Ronel Blanco stepped up impressively, throwing a no-hitter on April 1.
However, there have been challenges too. When Valdez was scratched from the lineup last Monday, Blair Henley struggled, managing to retire just one of nine batters. In another game, top pitching prospect Spencer Arrighetti had a rough outing, giving up seven runs in the third inning.
Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer, Rangers: Despite not having deGrom and Scherzer on the mound yet, the defending World Series champions have seen Cody Bradford shine with a 3-0 record and a 1.40 ERA. Unfortunately, Bradford is now dealing with a back strain and is on the injured list.
Various Miami Marlins: Miami’s season has been challenging, especially with Sandy Alcántara and Eury Pérez out for the season due to Tommy John surgery. Edward Cabrera and Braxton Garrett have also faced injuries. Despite the team’s 3-13 record, the rotation hasn’t been entirely dismal. Max Meyer has been a bright spot, going 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA.
