Volquez on Dodgers' radar to add to rotation
Recently released by Padres, right-hander was an All-Star in 2008
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers are close to signing free-agent right-handed pitcher Edinson Volquez, according to a baseball source.
The 30-year-old Volquez, just released by San Diego, was 9-10 with a 6.01 ERA in 27 starts. His best season was 2008, when he went 17-6 with a 3.21 ERA and was an All-Star. He came to the Padres in the 2011 Mat Latos deal.
Volquez presumably would be an alternative to fifth starter Chris Capuano, who was been inconsistent this year, although Capuano's 4-7 mark with a 4.74 ERA is arguably better than Volquez's stats.
Volquez also could serve as a sixth starter, instead of Stephen Fife, to give the rotation extra rest.
At the forefront of Volquez's problems this year, San Diego pitching coach Darren Balsley said, were his emotions, especially when he got into a game.
"We worked hard mechanically on keeping him on a good line toward home plate; we tried to shorten up his stride and get him to be a little taller. In his bullpen sessions, he could do it. But in the game, he basically overthrew," Balsley said. "That led to mechanical breakdowns.
"And it's hard to tell someone not to try so hard. He's very competitive. His competitive nature gets the best of him."
Volquez went 11-11 with a 4.14 ERA and made 32 starts for the Padres a year ago. But opponents hit .236 against him a year ago. This season, they were hitting .291 with an .820 OPS. His strikeout rate per nine innings (7.33) was the lowest in any full season he has pitched in the big leagues.
Balsley is hopeful that Volquez, despite his issues with the Padres, can turn things around -- even if for a different team.
"He's what, 30? He's still young," Balsley said. "Moving on, I expect him to hook on quickly with another team. Once he gets his emotions under control, he's going to be a very good pitcher."