Before I get to the quotes, let me break these moves down just a little bit…
Chase Wright was 8-2 with a 2.96 ERA in 16 starts. After two rough outings in coming back from shoulder soreness, he’d been pitching pretty well for the Thunder. He will be starting for Scranton on Wednesday, and barring any future moves, will likely be there for a while.
Mark Melancon was 6-0 with a 1.81 ERA in 19 appearances. He had a WHIP under one, and was striking out nearly one batter per inning. Scranton will be the true test, and if he’s lights out in August and the Yankees have a need, don’t be shocked to see him in pinstripes.
Steven White was 4-4 with a 6.28 ERA in 25 appearances in Scranton, including 10 starts. He’s been with the Thunder before, and he’ll more than likely be taking the ball on Wednesday.
Wilkins Arias was 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 29 appearances for Tampa, and will take the place of Melancon on the roster. He had 64 strikeouts in 48.1 innings of work with just 14 walks. Don’t know too much about the guy, to be honest…
Eric Wordekemper was 3-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 30 appearances for Trenton. It would appear he got the short end of the stick here. There was a brief, loud outburst in the clubhouse while a small group of reporters was speaking with Tony Franklin, and Franklin said, “That must be Wordy.” So it would seem safe to assume he wasn’t too pleased with the news.
Can’t say I’d blame him if that were the case…clearly, he got the short end of the stick in these moves.
CHASE WRIGHT
“I just found out, I’m a little surprised by it. Definitely, there’s been guys who’ve pitched better the whole season. I’m a little surprised, but I’m definitely going to make the most of it.”
On it being his turn since Coke and JJ got the nod previously…
“They both pitched good (Coke and Jones) and they came back, so you never know.”
On if it’s a spot start or something permanent…
“They just said you’re pitching Wednesday, so I guess it depends on how I pitch. You never know.”
On getting scratched today…
“I was ready to go, Scottie (Aldred) called me, and I was taking my pregame nap. And he told me, and I was a little upset. I felt good, and I was ready to go out there and try to end this losing streak.
But that’s the way it goes.”
MARK MELANCON
“It’s great, it’s always good news. I still don’t know the logistics of everything, I think Chase and I are flying to Syracuse tomorrow morning. But it’s great, it’s exciting. Chase definitely deserves it, so it’s good.”
On if he thought he’d get to Scranton after hearing he’d be staying in Trenton all season…
“I had it in my mind planned out that way. But that’s just because that was one of my goals. I try not to think about what other people have in mind for me, I just try to think about doing my thing and being consistent, just try to do that.”
On being one step away from the show and if he thinks that’s a possibility this year…
“Once again, it’s another goal. Hopefully I’ll make that happen.”
TONY FRANKLIN
“I hate to see them go, and I say that in jest. I’m very pleased. I’ve told many people this, any time you can send a guy to the next level and beyond, that is such a good thing. It really is a good thing. Guys who work extremely hard in this game, and I think all of them do, they deserve to be rewarded for what they’ve done on the field, and that’s what happening. They’re being rewarded for what’s happened with them on the field. They’ve certainly worked hard enough to do it. I think it’s time to see if they can do it at the next level, and I think they both can. Chase has been there before, Mark’s coming off of a very serious arm injury and fighting his way back. But man, it’s just so good, and I’m very happy to see them go and find out what they’re going to do up there.”
Mike Ashmore, mashmore98 AT gmail.com
Mike Ashmore's Thunder Thoughts 