Apparently John Farrell read my article about how the Jays need to send Kyle Drabek to Triple-A after stubbornly saying Drabek would stay in the majors.OK, maybe he didn't. But either way, Drabek is finally headed to Triple-A to work on his command and gain confidence after walking 48 and striking out 52 in 74 2/3 innings with an unsightly 5.70 ERA.
Replacing Drabek is Double-A right-hander Zach Stewart, who was acquired from the Reds two seasons ago in the Scott Rolen trade. A former reliever, Stewart had been converted to starter and will now make his major-league debut after posting a 4.39 ERA in 69 2/3 innings down on the farm. He showed improved command this season as compared to last year, but also saw his strikeout numbers dip, which doesn't help any. Working in his favor is a high batting average on balls in play and a low stranded-baserunner rate, pointing to improved pitching down the line.
The Jays are hoping Stewart can eventually be a solid starter in the rotation and if he replaces Drabek in the rotation, will pitch against his former team of the Reds this Saturday.
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