all this from Philly Inquirer:
Righthander Eric Junge, recalled from triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre earlier this week, will probably make his first major-league start in place of Duckworth. Junge allowed one run in his one-inning major-league debut Wednesday against Florida. He was 12-6 with a 3.54 ERA at Scranton this season
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Well, Eric Junge?
The Phillies wanted to protect the young pitcher, but Brandon Duckworth's back wouldn't cooperate. Duckworth remained sore after suffering spasms Tuesday, and with his endorsement the Phillies will rest him for at least one start. The rest might be permanent if his back doesn't continue to improve.
Because of that, Junge was called up this week and will start today's game. The righthander was 12-6 with a 3.54 ERA with Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season, but the Phillies had hoped to shield the 25-year-old from the shock of a possible bad outing or two, preserving his psyche.
Psyche, schmyche.
"I just want to get my feet wet," said Junge, whom the Phillies had to call at his home in Manhasset, N.Y. "If [a bad outing] happens, it's something to deal with."
You get the feeling he'll deal just fine. Asked if he had alerted his friends and family to his spot start, he said yes; asked how many would come, he replied, "Well, that depends on how popular I am."
And?
"I think I'm maybe 20 people popular."
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from Monday sept 9:
Examination of the Phillies' strategy for tonight's game against the Mets and tomorrow's doubleheader against Florida begins with their reluctance to promote Triple A standout Eric Junge from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for even one start. It continues with attention to Vicente Padilla's mounting innings total in his first season as a starter.
Junge, the Red Barons' No. 3 pitcher behind current Phils starters Joe Roa and Brett Myers, won't come up for one start because the team is concerned with his limited repertoire (suspect changeup) and the danger of injuring Junge's confidence. Padilla will get an extra day of rest.
That's why Hector Mercado will start tonight for the first time in the major leagues and the first time as a pro since 2000. He started in winter ball before this season, but he has been a middle reliever all season. Mercado, a lefty, will face a Mets lineup that could include lefty Mo Vaughn and switch-hitter Roberto Alomar, who is much more effective against righthanders.
Righthander Eric Junge, recalled from triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre earlier this week, will probably make his first major-league start in place of Duckworth. Junge allowed one run in his one-inning major-league debut Wednesday against Florida. He was 12-6 with a 3.54 ERA at Scranton this season
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Well, Eric Junge?
The Phillies wanted to protect the young pitcher, but Brandon Duckworth's back wouldn't cooperate. Duckworth remained sore after suffering spasms Tuesday, and with his endorsement the Phillies will rest him for at least one start. The rest might be permanent if his back doesn't continue to improve.
Because of that, Junge was called up this week and will start today's game. The righthander was 12-6 with a 3.54 ERA with Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season, but the Phillies had hoped to shield the 25-year-old from the shock of a possible bad outing or two, preserving his psyche.
Psyche, schmyche.
"I just want to get my feet wet," said Junge, whom the Phillies had to call at his home in Manhasset, N.Y. "If [a bad outing] happens, it's something to deal with."
You get the feeling he'll deal just fine. Asked if he had alerted his friends and family to his spot start, he said yes; asked how many would come, he replied, "Well, that depends on how popular I am."
And?
"I think I'm maybe 20 people popular."
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
from Monday sept 9:
Examination of the Phillies' strategy for tonight's game against the Mets and tomorrow's doubleheader against Florida begins with their reluctance to promote Triple A standout Eric Junge from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for even one start. It continues with attention to Vicente Padilla's mounting innings total in his first season as a starter.
Junge, the Red Barons' No. 3 pitcher behind current Phils starters Joe Roa and Brett Myers, won't come up for one start because the team is concerned with his limited repertoire (suspect changeup) and the danger of injuring Junge's confidence. Padilla will get an extra day of rest.
That's why Hector Mercado will start tonight for the first time in the major leagues and the first time as a pro since 2000. He started in winter ball before this season, but he has been a middle reliever all season. Mercado, a lefty, will face a Mets lineup that could include lefty Mo Vaughn and switch-hitter Roberto Alomar, who is much more effective against righthanders.
