The struggles of St. Louis Cardinals reliever Ryan Franklin have been well documented.
Franklin blew 4 of his 5 save opportunities earlier this year as the closer, bashed Cardinals fans for booing him, and has been rocked in multiple situations since being demoted from the closer's role.
Now, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa says that Franklin will now be positioned as the Cardinals long reliever going forward.
"Somebody's got to fill that (long relief) role," La Russa told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Right now, you're careful with the way you use him. That would be the idea: give him time to get sharper. That's the theory. Then you have to play out the reality of the game and who's available. I make no promises."
Long relievers generally enter games where the starter gets knocked out early or are given assignments where the game is out of hand.
Moving Franklin to the long relief role is likely the last straw for Franklin. Hopefully the 38 year old can turn his season around in the role.
Franklin has appeared in 9 games this season and a 10.13 ERA.
Maybe Franklin will figure things out in the new role. But for now, Cardinals fans should feel satisfied that they do not have to watch Franklin pitch in any more pressure situations.
Sources:
Franklin blew 4 of his 5 save opportunities earlier this year as the closer, bashed Cardinals fans for booing him, and has been rocked in multiple situations since being demoted from the closer's role.
Now, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa says that Franklin will now be positioned as the Cardinals long reliever going forward.
"Somebody's got to fill that (long relief) role," La Russa told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Right now, you're careful with the way you use him. That would be the idea: give him time to get sharper. That's the theory. Then you have to play out the reality of the game and who's available. I make no promises."
Long relievers generally enter games where the starter gets knocked out early or are given assignments where the game is out of hand.
Moving Franklin to the long relief role is likely the last straw for Franklin. Hopefully the 38 year old can turn his season around in the role.
Franklin has appeared in 9 games this season and a 10.13 ERA.
Maybe Franklin will figure things out in the new role. But for now, Cardinals fans should feel satisfied that they do not have to watch Franklin pitch in any more pressure situations.
Sources:
The bottom line is Franklin needs to be designated for assignment, he obviously has nothing left and brings nothing to the team. Thanks for what you've done in the past but see ya later. Bullpen needs to be Salas, Boggs, Sanchez, Motte, Miller, Tallet and Bautista as the long reliever.
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