Will Inman Hits the Triple-A DL

Just as the Portland rotation finally seemed straightened out, Will Inman, who has been the best starter for the team this year, was put on the disabled list with a right elbow strain.

Inman, 23, was 2-4 with a 3.61 ERA for Portland, with a 52/27 K/BB in 62 1/3 innings. It was a huge improvement on his 2009 numbers at the level, when he went 1-4 with a 6.71 ERA and 41/25 K/BB in 63 innings. Inman’s also cut his homers in half, which has been a big part of his success.

Inman’s known for his unorthodox delivery which includes a bizarre arm sweep and very long arm action overall, so arm trouble for him is an even bigger red flag than it is for most pitchers. Hopefully, rest heals the issue and it doesn’t recur, because Inman is a very nice commodity as a starter with a season of Triple-A under his belt who’s low-profile enough that you don’t have to worry too much about rushing him.

This puts the Portland rotation down a man yet again. Corey Kluber and Cory Luebke are the obvious candidates to replace Inman, although Simon Castro could be in the mix as well if the Padres feel he’s ready.