Has the John Ely surprise become Dodgers’ expectation?
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Six starts does not make a career. Often, it cannot even indicate what’s to come.
But six starts into the major-league career of John Ely, is it safe to expect similar results?
OK, it is completely not fair. Should not be done.
And probably has already happened.
Before Ely took the mound Tuesday, he had already graduated from stunning surprise to simple expectation.
No one wants to say it too loud. Certainly not the Dodgers. But considering he’s a kid who has never pitched above double-A until this season, he has quickly become a rotation mainstay.
No one is saying he’ll continue at the high level he has in his first six starts -- 3-2 with a 3.00 ERA -- but if he even comes close, it’s more than the Dodgers had right to expect.
But at this moment, he’s no longer a surprise.
‘I think he’s been tested about everywhere,’ said Manager Joe Torre. ‘Not in postseason, but you go into Wrigley Field and pitch the kind of game he did [seven and one-third innings, one run, four hits], I mean Wrigley Field can be intimidating considering its history. It’s certainly unique compared to other ballparks.
‘He started his career pitching his first game in New York. Then pitched here. I think he’s been tested pretty well. So you’re right, I’m not surprised anymore.’
Tuesday’s start will offer a new test. The Diamondbacks will be the first team he has faced twice. He went six innings, holding them to two runs, in Phoenix on May 11.
Not throwing in the 90s, not having any really unusual movement. But throwing strikes, mixing his pitches, changing speeds. Hanging tough.
‘Even a couple of starts ago when he may not have been as sharp as he had been [six innings, eight hits, two runs in a 6-5 win over Detroit], he still was able to wriggle his way through,’ Torre said. ‘He’s not overpowering, but he does throw a lot of strikes.’
Just the way it’s expected.
-- Steve Dilbeck