Hammel (4-7) allowed seven runs -- six earned -- on nine hits and two walks while striking out five batters through 5.1 innings during Saturday's loss to Minnesota.
This was a disappointing outing for Hammel, as he appeared to be trending in the right direction with three wins, a 2.51 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 7.0 K/9 over his prior five starts. That encouraging stretch also featured outings against Cleveland, Houston and Boston, so don't overreact too much to Saturday's poor showing. On the other hand, Hammel also owns a discouraging 5.08 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 7.1 K/9 for the season, so expectations should remain in check. He also lines up for a daunting road start against the Dodgers next.