Scranton's closer, 27-year-old RHP Kevin Whelan, has been promoted to the Bronx. Great news for him.
Not long ago, it looked like Whelan would never overcome his control problems and make the major leagues. But he's been a revelation so far in Triple-A, walking just six in 27 innings while maintaining roughly the same K-rate.
2011 stats: 27 ip, 1.67 ERA, 17 h, 6 bb, 30 k
Career stats (all in the minors): 342.1 ip, 3.18 ERA, 209 h, 198 bb, 429 k
As you can see, he's very difficult to hit and strikes out a lot of batters, but puts too many on base via the walk. His funky delivery (he's a converted catcher) is partly responsible for both the good and the bad.
No word yet on who's being sent down or who's being taken off the 40-man roster.
FYI: Whelan, Humberto Sanchez and Anthony Claggett were acquired from the Tigers for Gary Sheffield in 2006.
PS: No Russ Martin again tonight.
PPS: It's definite for Joba. Dr. James Andrews will perform TJS on him next week.