Edinson Volquez Demoted to Triple-A
By Editorial Staff
Edinson Volquez is heading back to the minors. The Reds demoted their starter Thursday, hoping he can continue to work on his consistency.
Yesterday marked the second time Cincinnati demoted Volquez this season. The 28 year old was sent down in May after dealing with serious command issues. Volquez walked 36 batters over 9 starts in April and May and his ERA (6.35) reflected it.
Volquez was then demoted, but upon his return looked to have overcome his command issues. In his first start back on June 7th he held the Cubs to 1 run on 7 hits over 7 innings of work, walking 2 and striking out 5. Volquez also found success in his second start, going 6 innings while only allowing 2 runs to the Giants.
But since, Volquez has looked like the pitcher he was before his demotion. Over his last 4 starts, he has allowed 17 earned runs while walking 12 batters. Volquez has also struggled with the long ball over that period, surrendering 6 dingers in the 4 games he’s pitched.
Cincinnati believes that Volquez is improving, but cannot have him continue to find himself at the major league level when the team is in the middle of a playoff race. Volquez knows exactly what he needs to work on while in the minors.
"“That’s really the only issue. Command and pace of the game too, which goes back to command and trying to be deliberate and focus on every pitch,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “He certainly has the stuff and we need him to get himself back together. He’s getting there.”"
Baker also noted that Dontrelle Willis could be in line to make Volquez’s next start for the Reds. In the meantime, the club has brought up reliever Carlos Fisher to aid their bullpen.
For more on the Reds, be sure to check out Blog Red Machine.