Plutko starting today

[HowAboutThat]

Hyde is already conceding today’s game. Plutko Only threw 17 pitches on Friday, So that by itself might not be a reason not to let him start, But it is legitimate to question why Akin threw three innings yesterday when he would be the logical choice, especially because Means was scrapped with ample advance notice.

[bobmc]

[Aristotelian]

The bullpen got messed up because Lopez didn't do his job. I don't see this as conceding or any slight to Akin. Plutko seems like a good opener type of pitcher for a bullpen game who is good enough to pitch the first few innings without using the backend. If Zimmerman is the move he would be a good bet to come in and eat some innings. I don't see Plutko/Zimmerman as any worse than Akin.

[spiritof66]

26 minutes ago, Philip said:

Hyde is already conceding today’s game. Plutko Only threw 17 pitches on Friday, So that by itself might not be a reason not to let him start, But it is legitimate to question why Akin threw three innings yesterday when he would be the logical choice, especially because Means was scrapped with ample advance notice.

My speculation would be just the opposite: Plutko opening/starting might give the Orioles the best available shot at winning today. Based on the way he's managed so far, I would have expected Hyde (or Elias -- I have no idea who makes these starting-pitcher and opener decisions, Dr. Birds or Mr. Hyde or both) to use today for another look at a young starter. It may be that they expected Lopez to last his customary 4 or 5 innings and start Akin today, that Lopez blew that plan up yesterday, and that they decided to look at Akin under the lower-pressure circumstances of a game that already looked pretty hopeless. 

[spiritof66]

30 minutes ago, bobmc said:

Not an original point, but I forget where I stole it: Pluto is Mickey's dog, but what the hell is Goofy?

[NelsonCruuuuuz]

Don’t fix what isn’t broken. Strongly dislike this decision.

[Frobby]

7 minutes ago, NelsonCruuuuuz said:

Don’t fix what isn’t broken. Strongly dislike this decision.

What wasn’t broken?

[Pickles]

Very disappointed.

[Tony-OH]

2 minutes ago, Frobby said:

What wasn’t broken?

I'm assuming he means Plutko was pitching very well in his current role, so why change? My assumption is they looked at Plutko as an opener to get through one inning and and give Zimmerman the game lower in the order. It just dodn't work out because Plutko imploded.

I really am not a fan of these role changes with pitchers. They tend to pitch better knowing general roles where they will be used.