Randy Choate’s spring troubles continue

Randy Choate‘s spring woes have continued this weekend as the reliever struggled with the single batter he faced in the 7th inning today.
Feb 19, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Randy Choate (36) poses for a picture during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium. Image Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Choate signed a three year deal with the Cardinals over the weekend. Today, he gave up a hit and earned run during a 6-run seventh inning for the Mets. Entering today, Choate held a 1.69 ERA over 10 appearances in relief.

The 1.69 ERA is really misleading when one sits down to think about it. Choate only enters the game to face one batter, maybe even two. In game situations, Choate has thrown 43 pitches and only 27 were thrown for strikes. All of that was before today though. In today’s game, Choate came in to replace Sam Freeman on the mound with runners on base.

Facing Darrell Ceciliani, all Choate needed was one pitch to bring in two runs. Ceciliani would hit a long double to center field, scoring both Anthony Recker and Jordany Valdespin. Ceciliani would go on to score on a home run given up by Lt. Mitch Harris, who made his spring debut for the Cardinals.

The left-handed reliever has not struck a batter out since he had two victims on February 23rd in a game against the Miami Marlins. In the situational appearances in March, Choate gave up 2 runs prior to today. His sole earned run came in today’s game against the Mets.

Going into the 7th inning, the Cardinals held a 6-3 lead but that lead was no more when the Mets blasted their way into the lead. Including a pair of home runs, the Mets would score 6 runs and take a 9-3 lead.

In a fitting moment, Harris warmed up to “Anchors Away.” Harris has been serving in the United States Navy for the past few years until his service time came to an end. This spring, the pitcher was finally awarded the opportunity to get to spring training for good.