[Big Six]

Tom Haley's Closing Time blog, June 19, 2023


There's an old saying: a team can never have enough pitching.

As we try to figure out a formula that will enable us to catch the Marlins, we confirmed the wisdom of that saying last week by trading for RHP Ezra Wells. We sent Andre Bryant and cash to the Pirates for Wells, who brings a 3-3 record and a 5.00 ERA with him.

Ezra has had some good years with the Bucs. He went 14-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 2019. He suffered some rotten luck last year, as the Pirates scored just over two runs a game for him and he finished 9-15 with a 4.26 ERA. We don't need Ezra to step in and be our ace; if he can pick up the slack while Kris Medlen's elbow strain heals, we'll be happy.

We've called up a young first baseman named John Lang from Gwinnett (AAA). Lang is huge--6'6", 255 pounds--and, not surprisingly, he's said to have the potential to hit for some serious power.

I hope John's ready to drive in some runs, because we'll have to make do without Jason Heyward for about three weeks. He sprained his ankle making a catch against the Tigers last night.

Sometimes an injury opens up an opportunity for another player to demonstrate his talent. That's what has happened to Emilio Castro, our young catcher. When Edward Shaw hurt his back, Castro became the regular catcher, and now he's hitting .346-7-30. In other words, he's mashing like Edward usually does.

We'll see if Lang, or one of our young outfielders, makes the best of his opportunity to shine.

I'm thrilled with the way I've been pitching lately. I earned my 11th save the other night against the Pirates, but I'm even more proud of the fact that I've allowed only two home runs this year, and my ERA is down to 1.50...