July 21, 2043
It has been a tough season for Nashville's rookie right-handed pitcher Juan Ruiz. Touted by some as a potential breakthough starter in the BBA this season, it simply has not worked out that way. Through 16 games (15 starts), Ruiz is 3-4 with a miserable 6.54 ERA and 25 homers allowed in 84 innings pitched. "We simply can't afford to move forward with Juan giving up dingers at this rate," said pitching coach Mike Ellison. "It's time to move in a different direction, send Juan to Orlando and let him work through this."
A move to replace Ruiz would not have been possible without the presence of veteran Hao Kun on the Bluebirds roster. Kun has pitched strong over the last three weeks in particular (5 G, 12 IP, 0.75 ERA, 0 HR, 3 BB, 11 K) to earn his way back into the Nashville rotation. "Hao is a pro," said Ellison. "We're expecting him to give his best and simply keep us in ballgames."
To fill the roster spot vacated by Ruiz, the Bluebirds purchased the contract of 25 year old lefty Israel Villa from Orlando. In 9 games with the Oranges, Villa was 2-0 with a 1.37 ERA and 0.71 WHIP over 19.2 innings, and allowed just one homer. "Izzy doesn't have dominant stuff, but he has good movement and control," said Ellison. "We'll use him in low leverage long relief situations and also as a LOOGY."
