Padres to Lose Pair of Starters

The San Diego Padres are expected to lose two fifths of their pitching staff over the next few days.  Right handers Aaron Harang and Dustin Moseley are both reportedly heading to the team’s 15 day disabled list.

Harang has been dealing with a bruised foot for some time now.  He isn’t sure how the injury originated and x-rays haven’t been able to pinpoint the root of the problem.

On the other hand, it was very evident when Moseley’s injury occurred.  The 29 year old was not hurt while on the mound but in the batters box.  Moseley slightly dislocated his left shoulder while at the plate last Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies.

Both starting pitchers have been exceptional this year for a San Diego pitching staff that currently maintains the league’s third best ERA.

Moseley has faced some tough luck, as the righty owns the team’s best ERA (3.16) and WHIP (1.29) but only sits at 2-6.  Harang’s numbers are nearly as good (3.71 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) but he’s managed better luck, currently holding a mark of 7-2 on the year.

As good as the staff has been, Harang’s the only starter to have more wins than loses on the season for the club.  As a group San Diego’s rotation has won 17 games and lost 28.  A large reason for this is the lack of offensive support.  Padres hitters rank among the worst in the league in several offensive categories.

San Diego is set to call up Double-A starter Anthony Bass to make his major league debut Monday in place of Harang.  The 23 year old has a 3.41 ERA over 12 minor league starts this season.

No one has been announced as Moseley’s replacement, but a likely candidate is current Triple-A starter Wade LeBlanc.  LeBlanc made the most out of his one appearance with the Padres this year, lasting 8 innings while allowing 3 earned runs.