Cristian Javier deserves a starting spot

I’ve been saying it all year; Cristian Javier deserved to keep the starting spot that was given to Odorizzi back in May.

He started off the year phenomenally, but had a rough May and with the return of Framber and Odorizzi from the IL, was moved to the bullpen as a result. I get it, it’s a tough decision, and when you have to choose between a struggling starter who can’t piece together a solid outing and a healthy starter coming back to the team refreshed, the decision is essentially made for you.

However, following the move, Odorizzi had a terrible season, only going more than 5.2IP once while posting a 6-7 record and a 4.21 ERA. He really was a pitcher that, all year, had me nervous whenever his name was on the lineup card. Nothing against Jake. I like his fire and his desire to pitch, but he just couldn’t get it done for us.

Javier should have been transitioned back to a starter by August. He was going steady in the bullpen and at the very least was doing better in his role than Odorizzi was in his. They gave up on Javier after a rough month, but allowed Odorizzi to have an even rougher 4 months and did nothing.

Now we’re sitting here in October, down 1 (possibly 2, with Garcia) starters, and few options. Odorizzi gave up 5 runs in game 2 out of the pen, while Javier has been scoreless in all his appearances. The decision to keep Javier in the bullpen in favor of keeping Odorizzi in the rotation has bitten us in the ass.