Cuba, we have a problem

[love_that_reefer]

Ramon Hernandez wonders if something is physically wrong with Aroldis Chapman, who averaged just 92 mph on his fastball during Wednesday's outing against the Padres.
"When he's throwing 91 mph, that's more than 10 mph difference," said Hernandez. "As wild as he was, it's got to be something. Maybe he's tired. He's never had to go back-to-back two days in a row. Especially him, when he's throws the ball, there's a lot of stress, more than any pitcher, because he throws way harder." Chapman was working on back-to-back days Tuesday and for the fourth time in five days, so look for the Reds to back off a bit.

If Chapman can't throw back to back games, the Reds seriously need to think about making him a starter soon. He was only hitting 98mph the other night and then hitting 91mph the next night. Ramon might be on to something.

[DirtyKash]

Really, only 98 mph? Poor guy.

[love_that_reefer]

Aroldis Chapman paid a visit to Dr. Timothy Kremcheck on Wednesday and was told he has arm inflammation.
Reds manager Dusty Baker told reporters Thursday that he's not concerned about the issue and that Chapman should be fine in a "day or two." The hard-throwing southpaw averaged just 92 MPH with his fastball during an appearance Wednesday against the Padres.

Sure, he'll be fine til the next time he has to throw on back to back days.

[missionhockey21]

I kind of had the same reaction too DK, but imagine if a starter went from throwing 96 to 90mph, that would be pretty big cause for concern for most good pitchers.

[love_that_reefer]

Well DK missed you point that Ramon was making. He lost mph from last year and then lost 6mph in one day.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Not concerned...yet.

Although as much as I like Dusty, I'm not sure I understand the usage of Chapman/Masset so far this year. Bizarre patterns.

[missionhockey21]

He has been overused. Frankly, instead of these frequent appearances, I'd prefer if he sat most games and only went in the game when we needed 1 IP+ from a pitcher, to start stretching him out for the big picture of what he should be, a starter. The games would be less important and he could continue to work on his changeup in real games with less impact.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Yeah, I would prefer at least 2 IP outings but less frequently. He could really overwhelm a team for the late innings before Cordero but do it a little less often.

[missionhockey21]

Agreed. We also have to remember that the numbers will fluctuate. Hopefully though it teaches the Reds to be cautious with him and reminds him that he can't always live by his heat, that his supplementary pitch development is really critical to being a great pitcher both now and especially later.

[Rockiesfan_H]

Well, 106 last night so...

[love_that_reefer]

Just pitch him once a week and he's fine