After seven disastrous starts for Brian Mitchell, the San Diego Padres finally made the decision to relegate him to the bullpen. Taking Mitchell’s place in the rotation, RHP Jordan Lyles, who put on an impressive showing on Thursday night against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Entering Thursday night’s game, many Padres’ fans seemed to lack much confidence in Lyles’ ability to produce as a starting pitcher for Andy Green. With a career earned run average over 5.30 and a career WHIP nearing 1.50, fans had every right to skeptical.
Originally planning to use Lyles for three-four innings, Green stretched him out to five innings after Lyles’ dominant four-inning streak to start the game.