Fredi Gonzalez considers six-man rotation for 20 straight games ahead - MLB Update
Once Tommy Hanson returns, the Atlanta Braves will be making tough decisions. In the absence of Hanson, their rotation hosts starters that are performing well. Therefore, his activation from disabled list will put the manager Fredi Gonzalez into a serious
dilemma with regard to vacating a place for Hanson in the rotation. To solve this, Gonzalez plans to maintain a six-man rotation to accommodate him.
Other than the reason of making a space for Hanson, the 20 straight games that are to be played ahead by the Braves call for the need to give more time to the starters for rest.
With six starters on rotation, Atlanta will be able to allow their hurlers to take some time off and do not get overburdened. Furthermore, Gonzalez can keep his pitchers away from injuries in this way.
One can say that such a plan by the manager will not be considered if the hurlers like Ben Sheets and Kris Medlen have not put up splendid shows on the mound. Knowing that Ben Sheets is turning out to be as good as Hanson, Gonzalez can believe that the Braves
are better off even with their existing rotation.
However, the comeback by Hanson will be used for strengthening it further instead of removing any pitcher from it. In case Hanson does not return in time, the Braves will be working with the five-man rotation.
All depends on the state of rehabilitation by Hanson. The fact he has yet to throw from the mound since suffering with back strain shows that he will take some time before he can be considered for playing in the season.
Gonzalez seconds this view saying that despite the fact six-man rotation’s idea is tempting, nothing can be discussed until Hanson recovers completely.
“We can’t consider it until we see where Tommy’s at,” Gonzalez said. “But it makes a lot of sense.”
Meanwhile, the Braves will be pleased with the way their rotation which is prone to leaking runs in general has strengthened to such an extent that even the replacements are performing extremely well.
Once the return time line of Hanson is confirmed, Gonzalez will likely make an official announcement with regard to six-man rotation. It will be interesting to see whether he makes the decision or not in this regard.
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