The Arizona Diamondbacks’ star offseason signing got off to a rough start to the 2020 season, and it appears that back problems may have been the reason why he struggled.
After yet another disastrous outing on Sunday, the Diamondbacks placed Madison Bumgarner on the 10-day injured list with a back strain.
Bumgarner, who compiled an inflated 9.35 ERA in his first four starts for Arizona, had trouble reaching the fastball velocity that helped him become one of baseball’s best starters during the past decade. During his Sunday start against the Padres, which saw him give up six runs in only two innings, he barely registered 86 miles per hour on the radar gun.
It appears that the big lefty’s struggles had something to do with this injury, which he apparently tried to pitch through at the beginning of the season. After Bumgarner’s lack of effectiveness became apparent, his team was left with no other option but to give him a rest.
The start of Bumgarner’s five-year, $85 million contract has been inconspicuous, but he will have plenty of time to right the ship after he gets healthy again.
The Diamondbacks called up right-handed pitcher Jeremy Beasley to replace Bumgarner on the roster.
