Jair Jurrjens on 15-day disabled list as Paul Maholm takes his position on rotation – MLB News
The groin strain suffered by the Atlanta Braves’ starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens found him on the 15-day disabled list. As a result, the recently added left hander Paul Maholm through a trade from the Chicago Cubs has been called to do the starting job for
as long as Jurrjens is out.
The Braves have witnessed below par shows from their starters in the season. Other than Tim Hudson and Brandon Beachy, most of their hurlers have given away many runs.
In most of the occasions, their strong bullpen has come to the rescue of the starters after the latter leaked runs.
Since their relievers are among the best in the National League, they have done a great job in veiling poor performances by the Braves' starting pitchers.
However the fact that their rotation is plagued by weak-links which can turn out to be the team’s undoing anytime is not lost on the management.
In this connection, before the trade deadline, the team officials tried their best to find appropriate starters in exchange for a few players with other clubs. They were negotiating with various organisations but the kind of deal that they wanted was not
achieved.
Finally, they had to contend with Paul Maholm, who possesses experience but his career numbers are not that impressive.
Therefore, it will take something out of the ordinary to happen from Maholm to let the Braves experience what they want from their starters.
Meanwhile, Maholm has an opportunity to meet the expectations of the management by showing terrific performances on the mound. Since Jurrjens has almost depleted as a starter, with relatively better shows, he can cement a permanent place in the Braves’ rotation.
Jurrjens entered the season with a lot of expectations on his shoulder but the way he surrendered before the batters and leaked runs in the season will force the management to make changes.
Though it is premature to consider Maholm as a permanent candidate in their rotation, he certainly has an opportunity to steal the attention of the team officials.
It will be interesting to see what type of impact Maholm will have and to what extent he can be successful for the team.
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