Scherzer impressive in D-backs loss to Astros

Edgar Gonzalez literally and figuratively handed the ball over to newcomer Max Scherzer in the third inning tonight. Gonzalez was completely ineffective in his 2 2/3 innings of work, giving up six earned runs on eight hits.

Then Mr. Scherzer took over and in his major league debut, pitched 4 1/3 innings of no-hit, no-run ball. He also had an impressive seven strikeouts and not a single walk. Wow....not bad for a major league debut :-). That my friends is getting it done. But Gonzalez had put the D-backs in too much of a hole by then, and Houston held on for a 6-4 victory at Chase Field. The D-backs fall to 19-8 on the year but still lead the NL West by 5 1/2 games.

As I mentioned this morning, Scherzer seems certain to replace Gonzalez very soon. I would be absolutely shocked if Scherzer and Gonzalez don't immediately flip-flop with Scherzer going to the starting rotation and Gonzalez doing long relief from the pen. In fact, that better happen because the D-backs front office certainly didn't call up Scherzer to do mop up and long relief...they want another stud in this starting rotation, and by the looks of it, they're getting it.

Former D-back Jose Valverde (Papa Grande) closed out the ninth with some serious gas. He looked absolutely bent out there and just blew them out of there. He hit 99 on the gun against Byrnesey...

Day game tomorrow at 12:40 PM local time, as the Big Unit will take on Shawn Chacon. The D-backs will try to win another series tomorrow...in fact the only series they've lost this season was the first one of the year against the Reds.

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The D-backs indicate that Micah Owings will in fact make his normal start on Friday against the Mets. He had sprained his ankle over the weekend against the Padres, but his side session looked good today, so he's good to go on Friday. Great news.