Jun 15, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo throws to first base against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning during the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Bronson Arroyo is the definition of a crafty pitcher, he knows how to actually pitch. He doesn’t need overpowering velocity to give a team a quality start and he rarely shows what he is actually feeling on the mound. If you were watching Sunday’s Fathers Day game between the Dbacks and Dodgers, you couldn’t see it, but Arroyo was laboring just to get through five innings. Dbacks Manager Kirk Gibson talked about Arroyo’s outing with MLB.com: “He used every bit of knowledge and wisdom he could to get through five innings for us,” D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said.”
The win was big for the team, it helped the Snakes avoid a sweep and sent them home with at least one win on a five game trip that included a trip to Houston. Arroyo talked about his outing with MLB.com: “It wasn’t much fun, but I battled,” Arroyo said. “Been going out there throwing the ball 80-84, and 84 is when I’ve been feeling sexy, which is ridiculous. I’m just getting outs on location and just being comfortable enough in that environment to throw a bunch of slop up there and get guys out.”
Arroyo has been bothered by elbow issues since May 13th, and trust me the last thing Bronson wants to do is go on the D.L, but with the elbow getting worse and worse that might be where he is headed. His battery mate Montero talked with MLB.com about just how tough Arroyo actually is: “That guy has more guts than anybody in this clubhouse,” catcher Miguel Montero said. “He goes out there and I literally could catch him barehanded, and he’s still going out there and giving you his best. He gives you all he’s got that day to help the team to win a ballgame and that’s why he’s a winner. He’s definitely a winner, and he’s been a winner his entire career. He’s a competitor. He goes out there and some way or another, he gets it done.”
Arroyo hasn’t missed a start in his 15 year career. The Dbacks brought him here because of how durable he is. Arroyo had problems with his back during spring training and did not miss a regular season start. Maybe his body is finally giving out as every player eventually experiences, and Arroyo acknowledges that: “We’re going to take a look at my arm I think,” Arroyo said. “It’s just slowly sliding downhill. I might be facing the inevitable for the first time in two decades. It’s getting to the point where it’s just too much pain and it’s just too difficult to get big league hitters out with that velocity.”
If Arroyo does indeed go on the D.L, it will be interesting to see who takes his place in the rotation.