That's back-to-back starts in which Saunders has surrendered six earned runs, which has to be of concern to owners who've come to rely on his winning ways this season. Don't be surprised if this second-half fade continues, given the problems he's had getting batters out on his own (4.33 K/9).
Bill Plunkett, of The Orange County Register, reports Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim SP Joe Saunders retired just four of the 12 batters he faced on Wednesday, Aug. 27, in a 6-5 loss to the Oakland Athletics.
News: Angels All-Star Joe Saunders (14-7) had his second rough outing in a row, throwing 49 pitches over 1 1/3 innings and allowing six runs on eight hits during Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the A's. Rajai Davis opened the game by beating out a single to Howie Kendrick after his one-hopper to the right side of the mound deflected off Saunders' bare hand. Manager Mike Scioscia and trainer Ned Bergert went out to check on him and decided to let Saunders stay in after a couple of warmup pitches. But it all went downhill from there. Davis stole second and scored on Emil Brown's single before the A's blew it open with a five-run second inning. Eric Patterson singled home a run, Bobby Crosby added a two-run double and Brown chased Saunders with a two-run homer to left-center, his 13th.
Analysis: Saunders walked one and struck out one before calling it a night. He has allowed 12 runs in his last two starts -- both losses. He ususally struggles in the second half, but has been pretty strong up until his last two starts. Maybe now he is finally starting to break down. Give Saunders a few more outings before bailing on him in Fantasy. He is considered probable for his next start Tuesday against the Tigers because he did stay in after the injury. If anything changes, we will let you know. Saunders is on track to be a two-start pitcher Fantasy Week 23 (Sept. 1-7) with his second start coming against the White Sox
Joe Saunders was pulled after allowing six runs in 1 1/3 innings Wednesday against the A's. The A's hadn't scored more than six runs in a game since way back on July 22, but that's how many Saunders allowed while getting just four outs. He also struggled last week against the Twins, and the Angels have to be concerned that it's more than simple fatigue that has him down. Fortunately, they have the kind of cushion that would make it easy to rest him if necessary.
MLB.com reports Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim SP Joe Saunders (14-6, 3.37 ERA) will start Wednesday, Aug. 27, against the Oakland Athletics.
None.
Numbers in parenthesis for each team indicates total runs scored that game. Numbers next to each pitcher indicates earned runs.
The run differential is based on total runs each team scored when Joe Saunders has a decision. (i.e. win/loss) Similarly, the opposing pitcher listed also received a decision.
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