Way back in 2008, right-handed starter Philip Humber was one of the pieces sent from the Mets to the Twins in the Johan Santana trade. Over two years with Minnesota, he had just 20.2 IP in the majors, and ended up leaving after the 2009 season. The Royals picked him up, gave him 21.2 innings in Kansas City, and then designated him for assignment despite a fine 4.15 ERA. The A’s claimed him this past off-season, but then waived him themselves just a month later. It was the White Sox turn to take a chance on the now 28 year-old hurler – making it three AL Central clubs in the span of two years – and they’ve been rewarded.
With his 7 shutout innings yesterday against the Cubs, Humber moved to 8-4 on the season with a 2.69 ERA. He’s not striking out many batters (just 5.5 K/9), but is showing good control (2.2 BB/9) and minimizing the home run ball (0.6 HR/9). That last part isn’t likely to last – especially given his home ballpark – but Humber could certainly be an average to above pitcher for the White Sox going forward. He’s added a slider to his repertoire this year that has been effective (batters are whiffing over 30% of the time that they’ve swung at the pitch), and it’s made his arsenal four-pitches deep. That may indicate that his strike-out rate still has some room to improve.
Finding a relatively young hurler who can spot his pitches and mix in an array of off-speed stuff on the scrap heap doesn’t happy every day, and Chicago’s gamble that the former prospect still has some talent has paid off.
Also last night: Roy Halladay picked up with complete game win in his first start back in Toronto; I bet the Tigers wish their game with San Francisco was postponed, not just delayed, given the shellacking they got 15-3); the Orioles out-homered the Braves 3-1 (including two by Mark Reynolds), but David Ross’ grandslam was enough to give Atlanta the 5-4 win; and much more.
What to watch tonight: Rookies Zach Britton and Brandon Beachy square off in Atlanta; Ian Kennedy tries to get his ERA under 3 for Arizona, while Gio Gonzalez is already there (2.38); Zach Greinke goes for his 8th win in 12 starts for the Brewers in Minnesota. Full schedule with probable pitchers here.
