To many, the decision is easy. Duffy’s splits last season as a starter and reliever tell a compelling picture. As a starter, Duffy put up a mediocre 7-8. 4.35 ERA in 128.1 innings with a mere 6.3 K/9. In six games as a reliever, Duffy dominated with a 0.00 ERA in 8.1 innings along with 12 strikeouts.
That’s all the evidence necessary for such individuals to conclude that Danny Duffy is Luke Hochevar: a guy that can excel in short stints as a reliever while scuffling as a starter.
Not so fast.
The Kansas City Royals gave Luke Hochevar five years before giving up on him as a rotation piece.