Week 5: The Rotation is Turning

Two placeholder starters, who were brought in to be innings-eaters for one season only, have been underperforming.  Larry Smiley (5 GS, 7.29 ERA) and Chris Johnson (4 GS, 7.20 ERA) have been demoted to AAA.  Royce Butterfield, who is projected to be a solid long-term member at the top of the major league rotation, was brought up from AAA affiliate Pasadena.  In seven starts, he was 3-1 with a 1.41 ERA.  Matt Murphy was also brought up from Pasadena.  In seven starts he was 4-2 with a 3.97 ERA.  Matt may or may not have a long term future in the major league rotation.