By Jordan Long
(Update at 11:22 A.M. Mountain Time: Madison Bumgarner has been designate Madison Bumgarner for assignment by Arizona)
The Arizona Diamondbacks sit at 11-8, first place in the National League West Division. They look to improve on that record, hosting the San Diego Padres for a 4-game set that begins tonight. Even though they are on top of the division, one pitcher hasn’t thrown the ball that well, Madison Bumgarner. His future with the team is in doubt.
Bumgarner agreed to a massive contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 15th, 2019. The contract he signed was 5-years, worth $85 million, or paying him $17 million per season. Arizona knew they were rebuilding but anticipated they could earn a playoff spot with him as part of their pitching staff. Bumgarner had playoff experience with San Francisco, helping them win 3 World Series titles, and was the World Series MVP in 2014.
Bumgarner has been a below average pitcher at best for the team. Prior to this season, his record in a Diamondbacks’ uniform stood at 15-29 with an era of 4.99. Arizona wanted to see better results. This has not happened this season. Bumgarner started 4 games for Arizona, lasting 16.2 innings. His record is 0-3 with a disappointing ERA of 10.26. Bumgarner’s latest start was yesterday. He pitched 3 innings, giving up 7 hits and 7 runs, all of those runs were earned. After that awful outing, the Diamondbacks are not saying what his future holds with the team.
According to ESPN.com, Bumgarner said, “I wish I had some kind of answers. Not that I’m not gonna look for them — I’m gonna look for them. But right now, I don’t have any for you guys. I wish I did. But I don’t.”
The Diamondbacks must figure out what to do with Bumgarner. He needs to work with the pitching coach to make his game better. It is early in the season so he could look like the dominant pitcher he once was with some support.
Of course, if that doesn’t work, Arizona may want to think about placing him in the bullpen. Bumgarner wouldn’t have the pressure of being a starting pitcher. All he would have to do is to come into games for a few innings of work to shut the opponents down. Arizona must see improvement otherwise they will either trade Bumgarner or designate him for an assignment which could force Arizona to cut him.
Very nice sports article!