Given the chance to pitch extensive innings this year, neither Erick Fedde nor Austin Voth has taken advantage of their opportunity with the Washington Nationals.
Both Erick Fedde and Austin Voth were given ample chances to impress the Washington Nationals brass this year. As of now, neither pitcher has done anything to improve their standing with the club.
For three years both pitchers have battled to be the fifth man in the starting rotation. Each year they have lost out. Lost out to Joe Ross. Lost out to Jeremy Hellickson. Lost out.
Fedde made twelve starts last year on the World Series team, and went 4-2 with a 4.50 earned run average. Not enough to ensure him a spot int he rotation this year. He, like Voth, would be competing again.
Voth would win the battle and land in the five spot, though an injury to Stephen Strasburg would allow Fedde the chance to pitch as well.
With the chance to pitch every fifth day, one, or both pitchers could cement themselves in the rotation for years to come.
Instead, both pitchers have thrown so poorly they may never get the chance to compete for a job again. The lack of pitching depth on the team has now been exposed. The Nationals will be in the market for an Anibal Sanchez type to compete, if not be awarded a rotation spot next year.
Wil Crowe and Seth Romero, both rookies who have also struggled this year, will be given the opportunity to show their worth, as well.
Voth is 0-5 with an 8.26 ERA and has given up 10 home runs in 28 innings thus far. Fedde is 1-3 with a 5.29 ERA and has just 12 strikeouts in 32 innings.
In the lost season which is 2020, they may continue to get the call every fifth day. There really isn’t anyone else to put out there. After this season, however, Erick Fedde and Austin Voth may not be seen again in the Washington Nationals rotation, unless it’s a spot start.