Jeremy Bonderman is not going to be able to make his scheduled start on Sunday night due to a blister problem on his right middle finger and Virgil Vasquez has been called up to take his place. The 24 year old right-hander was having a strong season for Toledo where he had a 2.82 ERA and a very impressive 50/10 K/BB in 40 2/3 innings. He'll make his debut under challenging circumstances - on national television and inside the awful Metrodome.
Vasquez was the 7th pick in the in the 2003 draft and has progressed steadily through the system. he has just average stuff but he boosted his prospect status in last year's Arizona Fall League where he led the league with a 2.81 ERA. This came on the heels of a so so season for Erie where he had a 3.73 and 129/50 K/BB ratio in 174 innings pitched.
Vazquez usually throws his fast ball in the high 80s with good movement. He also has a curve and a change-up. he has excellent control and a reputation for a strong work ethic. His biggest problem is that he's a fly ball pitcher and that showed in the 21 home runs he gave up last year. His 1.08 ground out/fly out ratio this year and last year indicates that he gets about the same number of outs on air balls as fly balls. This is something to watch as he pitches in the majors.
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