Today in Milwaukee, left-hander Kevin Pickford will become the ninth pitcher to start for the 2002 Padres. A 10th might follow Pickford four days later if regular Brett Tomko hasn't recovered from a calf bruise that forced him from yesterday's game.
Because the Padres opted not to return Jason Middlebrook to the mound, Pickford will become the 16th pitcher to start for the Padres, dating to 2001, and the fourth to make his major league starting debut this season. In 22/3 innings of relief, Pickford hasn't allowed a batter to reach base.
This season isn't one-third done, but after Pickford's first pitch, the Padres will have used more starting pitchers than they did in 1995, when labor strife shortened the season by 18 games. In 1996, manager Bruce Bochy used just seven starters, who helped the team win the division title.
Twelve pitchers started for Bochy last season, the most in his tenure. The Padres have used 35 pitchers overall in the past two years, and indications are they ultimately will promote Class AA starter Jake Peavy and Class AAA relievers Rodney Myers and Brandon Villafuerte this season.
Because the Padres opted not to return Jason Middlebrook to the mound, Pickford will become the 16th pitcher to start for the Padres, dating to 2001, and the fourth to make his major league starting debut this season. In 22/3 innings of relief, Pickford hasn't allowed a batter to reach base.
This season isn't one-third done, but after Pickford's first pitch, the Padres will have used more starting pitchers than they did in 1995, when labor strife shortened the season by 18 games. In 1996, manager Bruce Bochy used just seven starters, who helped the team win the division title.
Twelve pitchers started for Bochy last season, the most in his tenure. The Padres have used 35 pitchers overall in the past two years, and indications are they ultimately will promote Class AA starter Jake Peavy and Class AAA relievers Rodney Myers and Brandon Villafuerte this season.
