Streaking
Felix Hernandez (5-5, 3.28 ERA), Seattle Mariners
Since getting roughed up by the rowdy Rangers on June 8, King Felix has been perched high atop his throne.
Hernandez has tossed complete games in his last two starts, giving up two and one earned run respectively. He worked 8.2 innings in a 4-2 win over the Padres in his prior outing. Over those three starts, Hernandez struck out 26 hitters while walking only three.
“He has turned into one of the true No. 1s on a major league staff,” Padres manager Bud Black said after Hernandez held his team to four hits.
The under is 5-1 in Hernandez’s last six starts and opposing offenses are averaging 2.5 runs per game.
Slumping
Kevin Slowey (7-5, 4.79 ERA), Minnesota Twins
After a five-game tear that spanned from mid-May to June 8, Slowey is slowly starting to fall off the wagon.
The Twins’ right-hander has surrendered no less than five runs in each of his last three outings. Slowey yielded five home runs and 17 earned runs during that stretch (12.1 innings) while striking out 10. He also saw the shortest game of his career in the start before last. The Phillies touched him up for two homers and seven earned runs in 1.2 innings on the hill.
“I think everybody in this clubhouse is frustrated,” Slowey said. “We’re disappointed and frustrated and we know we’re better than this and that goes for me, too.”
Returning
Jair Jurrjens (0-3, 6.38 ERA), Atlanta Braves
Kenshin Kawakami was moved to the bullpen to make room for Jair Jurrjens, who has been on the disabled list since April 30 with a strained hamstring.
In 2009, Jurrjens was one of Atlanta’s top pitchers. He compiled a 14-10 record with a flashy 2.60 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. In his first start of 2010, the righty pitched shutout ball over 5.0 innings against the Cubs. But in four starts after, Jurrjens gave up eight, three, three and three earned runs.
Jurrjens will likely be on a tight pitch count Wednesday against the visiting Nationals.
Debuting
Barry Enright (0-0, 0.00 ERA), Arizona Diamondbacks
The D-Backs called up Barry Enright from Double-A Mobile to start Wednesday’s game against the Cardinals. In 15 starts at the minor-league level (93.2 innings), Enright is 4-1 with 2.88 ERA, 83 strikeouts and 15 walks.
The 24-year-old Enright is taking the place of Edwin Jackson, whose start was pushed back to Friday after throwing 149 pitches during his no-hitter last week. If he pitches well enough, Enright could snatch a spot in the rotation from the struggling Dontrelle Willis.