Stevenson Strains More Than Shoulder

After an electrifying start to the year for the pitching staff in which they allowed just 54 runs over the first 20 games (an average of 2.7 runs against per game), the first bit of bad news struck during a 2-1 loss to the San Fransisco Slingers. SP Quinn Stevenson, who is spending the entire year as a starter for the first time, had gone 2-0 with a 0.37 ERA and a 0.70 WHIP in 4 starts. Then, however, in the 5th inning of the game he strained his shoulder after allowing a single to Slinger CF Corky Kapler.

Beyond the obvious loss of a stud starter, the injury also put a large strain on the bullpen. Needing a new 5th starter, SP/RP Carl Oliver had to jump out of his long relief role, forcing a chain reaction of promotions to new roles. RP Brett Ramirez got called up from AAA to complete the bullpen, but immediately struggled. So, as a stopgap and possible long-term addition to the bullpen, the Flash signed free-agent RP Junior Martin.

Martin has posted a 4.53 ERA over 47.2 innings for his career. The Flash won't ask much of him this season, but he should prove valuable over the next 14 days as Stevenson recovers. Once Stevenson returns, Martin may stay in the bullpen to alleviate some of the strain caused by the Flash carrying one fewer pitcher than a year ago. Until then, the offense will just have to pick up some of the slack.