What Has Happened To Bronson Arroyo?

Look at what team he is playing for. 'nuff said!

He had his career year last year and now is coming back to earth.

The Reds havn't been great this year. I have some speculation that something within the organization is troubling to the players or something. Arroyo is just having a bad season so far, as many of us say on the Red Sox, he had his good games, he had his bad games. This clearly just looks like he's had a string of bad games. If Bronson was on a better team, perhaps he would have more confidence and his record would be better, but his ERA is different. ERA and WHIP are a pitchers own personal assesement of themselves. Arroyo's ERA has always been between 4-5 until about 3 quarters of the way through with the season. Than the last few games he pitches well. His Strikeouts are actually slightly high for him. I think his last season on the Red Sox he had about 60 K's at the All Star break. Don't let the record fool you, he really isn't that bad. I'm sure Cinncinati will come around and prove they really arn't that bad as they are full of weapons. They just need to put it all together. I also beleive they will turn it around after the break, but they won't be contending for the playoffs, but perhaps with being 4th or even third in their division. Keep faith!

This is Arroyo's problem...in his last ten games he has had games like this: 6 runs in 2 innings...next start 6 runs in 4 innings...8 runs in 5 innings...6 runs in 6 innings...6 runs in 6 innings. However, in his last three starts he has given up 7 runs in last 20 innings for three quality starts in a row.

Arroyo did aight the first couple of months of the season, but he didn't get any run support. In April, he pitched 34 2/3 innings, and managed to get a 2.86 ERA and only 2 losses, which is or was good for a reds pitcher. In the next four games, he ERA was decreased even more, down to a 2.64. When he faced the Nationals, he increased he ERA to a 3.41, when he surrendered 6 runs. Ever since, he hasn't been doing that great. At one point, in four games, he had surrendered 26 runs, all in 17 2/3 IP. He just needs to get his groove back, IMO. He IS a good pitcher, but he's not pitching like he did in April,which is really affecting how the team is playing believe it or not, cuz the team REALLY NEEDS PITCHING.

Arroyo's fastball hasn't been where it was last year. He's lost some strength. Whether it's due to diet, age, conditioning, pitch count/innings, or some unforeseen cause, it's much harder for a pitcher like Arroyo to get through innings barely throwing 90 when for his off-speed stuff to be effective he needs to be around 93.

Couple that with the Reds 27th ranking in defensive efficiency, and you've got an increase in runs allowed. He's walking more, striking out less guys per 9, and allowing more fly balls, more line drives, and less ground balls.

Arroyo's last three starts have appeared to turn things around though, going 1-1 with a respectable 3.05 ERA in 20.2 IP. He took a break in the rotation, moved back a day, and has changed his diet and excercise plan. Hopefully the HR he hit last night in his win is indication his getting stronger. He even mentioned that a few weeks ago he wouldn't have been able to hit that ball out, he didn't have the strength.

Arroyo is also the recipient of some of the worst luck in the majors. His LOB% is near the bottom at 65%. LOB% isn't all luck, better pitchers don't let as many people string together hits, but there is a luck portion to the stat, regarding which innings these guys get the hits. His .330 BABIP also indicates hitters are getting abnormally lucky off balls they hit into play, and is also a function of the poor defense behind him.

I think he's due for a turnaround. Not near the levels he pitched last year, but a turnaround nonetheless. He's a better pitcher than his ERA indicates. He'd have a few more wins behind him as well if the Reds had anything resembling a bullpen.