Rich Harden(Athletics) Vs Jerrod Washburn(Mariners)
Harden pitched 7 innings, allowing 4 runs. Entering 7th inning, Harden was brilliant, giving up only 1 run and 1 hit when he pitched 6 innings. But in top of 7th inning, he struggled again and his ERA returned to 6.x level.
His ERA for the season is 6.51 now. So if he struggles two or three more games, he could be replaced by Jeremy Bonderman or Oliver Perez, who are doing good job in the bullpen.
But he is high-expected player in the club, so club and manager don't want his out from the rotation. Manager said.
"He is our future. We think he will be top pitcher in the league soon. Before this season, we thought it would be this year because he have enough potentials and upsides. We have some time to wait his rebound."
Athletics batters hit only 4 hits. Team was defeated by 5-1 against Mariners. Athletics' status for April is 15-9 and at first place in the division.