Reds to Recall Volquez

The Cincinnati Reds are hoping a short trip to the minors is enough to get former All-Star pitcher Edinson Volquez back on track.  It appears the team will recall the right hander to make Tuesday’s start against the Chicago Cubs.

Volquez was optioned to AAA Louisville May 23 after compiling an ERA of 6.35 over his first 10 starts.  More alarming than the high earned run average was his propensity to offer free passes.  Volquez walked a whopping 38 batters in only 51 innings.

Over two minor league starts, Volquez was able to improve on his walk rate.  In 14.1 innings he held Triple-A hitters to just 10 hits, walking 6 and striking out 7, for an ERA of 1.88.

The 27 year old jumped onto the scene in 2008, his first season with the Reds.  He went 17-6 over 32 starts, holding an ERA of 3.21.  He was helped by one of the best BB/9 rates of his career, 4.3.

Since then, Volquez has struggled with command and injury.  In 2009-10, the Dominican native only managed 21 starts, and those came with a BB/9 well above 5.0.  In 2011, that number has skyrocketed to 6.7 walks per 9.

To make room in the starting 5 for Volquez, Tuesday’s scheduled starter, Mike Leake, would get pushed up and pitch tonight.  Chad Reineke and his 6.75 ERA would then be bumped out of his spot in the rotation.