Scott Baker Will Miss Next Start
By Editorial Staff
The Minnesota Twins will skip Scott Baker’s next turn in the rotation as the right hander is dealing with a strained flexor muscle.
Baker left his last start early after only 5 innings and 62 pitches. The 29 year old had held the Rays to 0 earned runs Tuesday, but felt discomfort in his elbow starting in the third inning. After the 5th, Baker notified the Twins’ training staff and they shut him down.
Minnesota is saying that Baker will be held out merely as a precaution. The team originally thought he was dealing with a strained elbow, but it was later determined that he actually strained his flexor muscle connecting his forearm to his elbow.
"“It didn’t look too bad last night,” Twins trainer Rick McWane said. “He came in for treatment this morning and it doesn’t look that bad. It’s just a little sorer than it would be. It’s not too alarming.”"
Baker has been the Twins’ best starting pitcher this season. He held an ERA of 2.45 over his 6 starts in June and before Tuesday’s game had gone at least 7 innings in 5 of his last 7 starts. On the year Baker has maintained an earned run average of 3.01 with a WHIP of 1.17.
Anthony Swarzak will fill in for Baker’s next start. The 25 year old has done well in his limited opportunities as a starter this season. His year was highlighted by his 8 inning 1 hit effort against the Angels where he carried a no-no into the 8th.
For more on the Twins, be sure to check out Puckett’s Pond.