Seven of first 11 batters against Dan Haren reached base. None of last 11 batters reached base. Baseball.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 24, 2014
By Jon Weisman
The Dodgers play only three games over the next 130 hours, and you can make the argument that all that off time couldn’t come at a better time.
With two off days over the next five, Josh Beckett will have six days between starts and Dan Haren will likely be off for at least the rest of the month, if not in a swingman role like Paul Maholm. The earliest the Dodgers absolutely need a fifth starter is August 2, nine days from now and two days after the non-waiver trade dealine.
Haren’s status and whether he might be replaced as the Dodgers’ fifth starter by a trade is drawing major speculation. Since May 1, the 33-year-old righty has a 5.32 ERA and opponents’ OPS of .831, and is allowing a home run every 4.8 innings. And since throwing seven shutout innings of one-hit ball on the last day of June, Haren has lasted 19 innings in four July starts with a 9.47 ERA and opponents’ OPS of 1.012, which is like facing a lineup of nine Mike Trouts.
Here’s what Haren himself told Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“I know we talked a while back about off days,” said Haren. “I’ll do anything for the team and if it means I get skipped, I totally understand. I’m not going to march into the office. I’ve got to earn their respect to go back out there.
“It’s really gotten away from me the last four times out. I was having a great year, I felt great throwing the ball, then a few starts ago it kind of snowballed and everything that could go wrong has gone wrong.”
It has to be vexing for Haren that, after allowing four runs in the first inning and a second-inning home run to Travis Snider, he was then able to set down the final 11 batters he faced on four groundouts, six strikeouts and one soft fly out. Though that might seem encouraging, the postgame comments from Haren and Don Mattingly did not reflect that sentiment.
Don Bright
I think realistically he should be DFA right now. Even if he goes to the pen, he won’t be able to pitch at least until Sunday, so that’s 2 games another pitcher who can be brought could be used. I’d be shocked if Dodgers don’t get a starter by deadline, and if somehow they don’t, then Malhomn can take that spot, if not a AAA guy (really could Peterson, Fife, Magill and even Lee be any worse?). Thanks for April Haren, but your time as a Dodger should be over.
byesac
Is Zach Lee really behind Matt Magill?
dodger3942
We were hoping for Lima in a bottle, but instead we got a guy who is possibly finished. He is a great guy who I wish had a better fate. Bring on Zach Lee. Let’s see what he can do.