wildcard

The importance of 2019 is that it shows that Means does not need high velocity to be effective with his pitch mix.

This is what I found: Rangers will extend rehab for RHP Jonathan Hernandez Dallas News https://www.dallasnews.com › Sports › Rangers Jul 1, 2022 — Up to three 10-day extensions are permitted for shoulder and elbow surgery patients, but must be approved by MLB and the Players Association.

There was health information that I did not have when I made the statement. I didn't realize that missing a playoff game due to soreness would result in such a long recovery. Of course he would have to show he is healthy before signing him to an extension. But a 2025 rotation of GRod, Bradish, Kremer, Means and Povich is still possible if John recovers.

I was and still am a Means defender. Velocity is not John's game. In 2019 his average 4 seamer was 91.7 mph. But his changeup was 80.9 mph and his curve was 77 mph according to Statcast. John went 12-11 with a 3.60 ERA that year on a bad team. It's the different in the speeds of the pitches that makes John effective. According to the information I found about a Texas pitcher in 2022 coming off TJ surgery the O's can and I think probably will apply to MLB for another month of rehab in 10 day increments. John's comeback story is far from over IMO.

Rangers will extend rehab for RHP Jonathan Hernandez Dallas News https://www.dallasnews.com › Sports › Rangers Jul 1, 2022 — Up to three 10-day extensions are permitted for shoulder and elbow surgery patients, but must be approved by MLB and the Players Association. --------- This is what I think happens to Means if he is not ready for the majors after 2 more starts.

Suarez is the same guy that gave up 5 runs in 4.1 innings to Scranton/Wilkes Barres on April 12th and 5 earned runs in 5 innings to Durham on March 31st. The Twins have the 28th best offense in baseball right now with several players on the IL. Love what Suarez did yesterday but consistency start to start has not been his M.O. this spring. Hope for the best but know the worst might happen.

Means has until the 30th to continue on his rehab. If he is not ready he can be activated and optioned to the minors with his permission. I doubt John wants to come up and bomb so I think he can work something out with Elias if he and the team feel he is not ready. He could pitch at Bowie and hang with the Orioles team the rest of the week. They are paying him 3.325M no matter where he pitches. It just may take some time for him to get back to where he was after a long layout.

I'd give him 6 weeks. He is in his Rookie Adjustment Period. Once he gets passed it ...Watch Out. There is a lot of talent in that young man.

Looks right. He did well vs the Yankees AAA team in his last start.

I am not talking about the world ending. More likely other injuries or non performance happens.

We are weeks away from Means being ready. Anything can happen in the mean time.

Wells will continue to get starts in trying to pursue that goal. But he needs to improve. Means and Bradish aren't ready yet. Akin could be stretched out in the mean time. Its not effecting any of the other starters until Akin is ready to go 5 innings.

I can't tell about that just yet. Elias does acquire players to see if he can pass them through waivers and get them to Norfolk.

And Akin is not stretched out to be a starter.......yet. Just thinking of the possibilities.

Irvin and/or Wells would shift to the pen so not really robbing Peter to pay Paul. Both could be more effective in the pen.