Einan, pictured here satisfied with his recent outings and not afraid to let you know about it
Mahad "Furball" Einan has been a bit of an enigma since coming to Las Vegas in 2056. He was amazing down the stretch in 2056, then 2057 brought a season of many gopher balls and much disappointment.
After he got zero interest on the league trade block, the Hustlers simply decided to clear the slate with him and put him right back into the rotation. Well, kinda.
As a message, this writer infers, Einan spent the first week of the 2058 season as a relief pitcher. He made two appearances, pitching 4 2/3 innings, allowing three hits, no runs, no walks, and striking out one. "We felt it was important for Furball to know that relief was a real option," said pitching coach Elliot "Snow God" Buckland. "Gotta give him credit, he responded well,"
Back in the rotation after that first week, Einan has been mostly solid. In fact, his current 0.7 WAR already eclipses last year's 0.6 WAR. But now he has a new challenge to face: shoulder inflammation.
Initial diagnostics say it's normal inflammation, and should be healed with a couple weeks of rest. So what now for Vegas in the interim? Well, Kyle McKinlay is going back to the bullpen after getting a couple of spot starts to give Bret Harrell a chance to mentally reset. Now, Harrell has been deemed ready to return to the rotation. But who takes Einan's spot for at least the next two to three weeks?
Carlos Berrera is an option. He's 2-0 with an 0.53 ERA in two starts for Milwaukee (AAA).
Ajanidha Praveen also will gain consideration. He's on the 40 man roster and has pitched brilliantly for Milwaukee this year (10 GS, 5-4, 3.13 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 1.3 WAR).
The Hustlers will also soon have to make a tough decision on Rule 5 pick Phil Franklin, currently rehabbing at Milwaukee. He's been uneven in three starts there.
