[Lefty Noob]

The Pittsburgh Pirates put CF Chris Duffy on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a sprained left ankle. Matt Kata was called up to replace him. Also, the team announced that Zach Duke will miss is scheduled Tuesday start due to left elbow tightness. If there are no further setbacks, he will return to action on July 8.

[azrael492]

Duke was a highly touted prospect a few years ago. He has progressively gotten worse. His ERA is up and his K's are down. Is this just an example of him being on a bad team, or is something else going on with him?

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by azrael492

Duke was a highly touted prospect a few years ago. He has progressively gotten worse. His ERA is up and his K's are down. Is this just an example of him being on a bad team, or is something else going on with him?

Honestly, I can't tell you, but if I were to guess, I'd say they're pitching him too much, too young. You never know though - there may be something off with his delivery that a better pitching coach would find, much like how the Mets were able to turn things around with Oliver Perez.

[Lefty Noob]

The latest news on the injury to Duke isn't good. According to the Associated Press, "LHP Zach Duke won't throw for a couple of weeks as he waits for his aching left elbow to calm down. After tests conducted by the Pirates' doctors revealed irritation in his ulnar collateral ligament, Duke sought a second opinion Friday from orthopedist James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. His findings were nearly the same, according to the Pirates."