Casey Janssen struggled mightily against the Angels Wednesday, getting tagged for 5 runs in just four innings. The development wasn't a complete surprise, because in his two previous starts in Atlanta and against Boston, he laboured also, getting away with potential disaster outings in both starts. In the three starts combined, Janssen has allowed 11 runs, 26 hits in just 17 innings for an ugly 5.82 ERA.I don't believe Janssen is on a short leash with the team. He will be given every opportunity to work through his early funk, and I finally expect him to do so. Let's put everything in perspective. He missed the entire 2008 campaign with a torn labrum, then had shoulder troubles that caused him to miss the first month and a half of '09. He hasn't started a game since 2006, so there will be a transition for him to adapt to his role.
We know this; Janssen can flat out pitch. In 70 games as the reliever in 2007, the former 4th round pick went 2-3 with an ERA of 2.35 and had 24 holds. And in his first 9 starts as a rookie in 2006, he was extremely effective, notching a 5-3 record with a stout 3.07 ERA.
Bottom line, he's an important pitcher on this staff, and we can expect him to get it straightened out.
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