For Felix Doubront, the first two months of the season were spotless way before Monday’s 9-6 loss to the Blue Jays. After two months in the rotation, the lefty owned a 5-2 record and compiled a 3.86 ERA, becoming the Red Sox’ most consistent starter.
But the month of June hasn’t treated him as well, as his ERA has skyrocketed back up to 4.54. In three of his five starts in June, Doubront has surrendered at least four runs –– a mark that he only reached twice in April and June combined.
“A couple of bad pitches,” Doubront said. “I think it was one of those days, too. I was battling and just pitching and waiting for something to happen.”
On Monday, he yielded seven runs –– only five earned –– a career-high 11 hits, the first time in 18 starts that he’s allowed double-digit hits. In the process, Doubront struck out a career-low two batters through his six-inning start.
The struggle, however, doesn’t warrant any panic. It’s just one of the growing pains of a young pitcher that’s adjusting to an increased workload. That’s especially true, considering Doubront is reaching the point of 85 1/3 innings for the season.
That’s close to exceeding Doubront’s entire innings mark last season, when he tossed 87 2/3 frames. With the added responsibilities –– as a starter in the majors –– the 24-year-old is still adapting to the marathon of the season.
“I think he was trying to throw a lot of strikes and didn’t want to waste a lot of pitches and seems like a lot of them got hit,” Red Sox manger Bobby Valentine said. “Not that they were all hit hard, that’s for sure. I’d say he gave up six or seven hits off the end of the bat or jammed. About four of them were hit hard. Wasn’t his best outing, but he’ll improve on that.”
Keep in mind this was Toronto’s third go-around against Doubront, giving them some familiarity with his pitching style. With each start, he’ll work to continue making adjustments with his pitches.
But Valentine wasn’t concerned about the southpaw’s midsummer rut, instead offering an optimistic take on his recent outings.
“I think he’s fine,” Valentine said. “I think he’s still building.”
These hiccups could be building blocks.
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