Assuming I’d kept him as part of my 25 and if he’d been throwing simulated games and getting in bullpen sessions to keep loose and ready, well… it’d certainly be tempting. But if he’s on the roster but not throwing and not dressing, I don’t think I’d take the risk. As hard as he throws it’s too easy to snap something and loose him.
Let’s see, with Gonzales and Zimmermann I feel good Detwiler and Jackson not as much so but I’d have confidence in them. If it came down to game 4 – especially game 7 – and I got antsy, I might look hard at having him out as setup in the 8th or an emergency reliever if someone implodes. But with all that I probably don’t unless there’s an catastrophic injury going in he’s not starting. If I’ve made it that far, especially if we’ve been tested against the Braves-Reds, I’m feeling good with who’s gotten me there. I’d roll the dice and not risk him.
The Nat’s bullpen concerns me and the playoffs work ‘em hard. Clip’s era is high but he gets it done, Burnett I like, Stammen gives up hits and walks but has kept out of trouble for the most part, Mattheus is solid but can’t be relied on as a SO guy, but that’s only 4 innings after them I’m not so confident and he’d be a hell of an ace in the hole if those guys start to wear. I’ll be curious to see if they bring Lannan along in the same relief capacity and as an extra starter.