John Lamb had to feel a little bit let down by the Cincinnati Reds‘ defense behind him in his forgettable start last night against the Cleveland Indians.
After giving up a leadoff single in the third inning, Lamb watched Gold Glove-caliber shortstop Zack Cozart commit a throwing error on a chopper by Juan Uribe. First baseman Joey Votto was unable to one-hop the off-line, off-balanced throw by the charging Cozart on the play, which was generously ruled a hit instead of an error.
Lamb next surrendered a single to score the Indians’ first run then recorded a sacrifice out. With what should’ve been two outs in the inning, Lamb must have thought he had limited the damage when he coaxed a fly ball to right-center field. Unfortunately for Lamb, center fielder Jose Peraza completely misjudged the ball, which landed just short of the warning track for a two-run double.
Lamb was unfairly charged with four earned runs in the inning. He should’ve been charged with just one.
Lamb was in trouble again in the next inning when a single off the bat of Jason Kipnis scored one run. Rajai Davis started the single as a runner at first base. However, confusion between Peraza and right fielder Jay Bruce over who would field the ball in right-center allowed Davis to score all the way from first base on a single.
Lamb didn’t have command of his curveball and apparently couldn’t throw his change-up. He might not have had his best stuff, but he pitched better than the seven runs in four innings show for his effort.
The Reds ultimately may move the lefty Lamb to the bullpen to fill a glaring need left there by the Reds’ front office.
But until that becomes absolutely necessary, Lamb deserves more starts for the Reds based on his overall pitching ability.
Robb Hoff writes about the Cincinnati Reds for OutsidePitch MLB. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
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