Seattle Mariners pitching prospect Danny Hultzen has not made a start for Tacoma since July 28th, as the organization has decided to pull in the reigns on the 2011 #2 overall pick. Hultzen has struggled for Tacoma for the most part, giving up 10 earned runs in his last 9.2 innings and GM Jack Zduriencik told the press that it was time to "back off him a little..." at the end of July.
It turns out so far that has meant Danny is getting at least two weeks of rest.
The positive side of Hultzen's Tacoma debut is that he has 41 strikeouts in 32.2 innings, but his 24 walks are a major problem. If there was one thing about Hultzen that catapulted him to the top of the draft, it was his polish. But it appears that there is no chance of him joining the team this season. That's fine, though. There is nothing that Hultzen could do for Seattle in 2012 that would mean much, other than stay healthy and improve himself so that he can join the rotation next season.
While the hitting for the Mariners has been frustrating, watching the majority of this rotation take the mound has been equally as bad. When you're only sure thing at starter is Felix Hernandez (and that's a great sure thing) you're unlikely to be a contender. But Hultzen, Taijuan Walker, and James Paxton make for an exciting future.
As soon as he's allowed to pitch again.