Not so long ago, Madison Bumgarner was considered by many to be one of the best pitchers in the world. His campaigns with the San Francisco Giants were prosperous, like the good years of the club. He was at the heart of the success of his collective. In recent years, let’s say that his star has faded a little.
When he had reached his autonomy, at the conclusion of the 2019 campaign, Mad Bum surprised everyone by signing a five-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In the past, being able to have his turn at bat had, to some extent, motivated his desire to play in the National League.
Still, the final decision to sign in Arizona remained surprising. A club that was far from aspiring to top honors and on terms of 85 million over five years. It was rather reasonable as an agreement for a player of his prestige.
With the D-Backs, the left-hander has never really been able to find the fabric of the beautiful days he had while throwing under the Californian sun. Maybe he was hoping for a makeover in his fourth year in Arizona, but hey, it all started badly for him. After a disappointing first start against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bumgarner returned to Arizona to tend to his sore arm.
arm fatigue
The reason revealed by the organization to justify the end of the trip of number 40 would be that the veteran pitcher feels tired in the arm. However, it was only the first start of a long season! At 33, he wonders if he still has gas in the tank.
It is necessary to reflect on this side for the two clans involved, that is to say the launcher and his organization. Can he still kick off a full season? Should we consider the option of reducing departures? Should we use it as a reliever? Was training camp too rigorous? Has Bumgarner been too intense in his off-season preparation?
In short, the various tests will say more about the nature of his arm fatigue. A Bumgarner at the top of his game would help the Diamondbacks a lot. The latter showed great things against the Dodgers and, although a series does not make a season, they could play beyond expectations in 2023. To do this, they need the best version of Mad Bum and less that since he joined Arizona. In 350 and two-thirds innings, he still has an ERA of 5.06. In 2022, he finished the year with a record of 7 wins and 15 losses.
He has the talent to bounce back, but for that, his health must also be there.
