Wade Davis Goes on Paternity Leave, Donnie Joseph Recalled

Jun 16, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Wade Davis (22) throws a pitch during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Bob Dutton reported that Wade Davis will go on paternity leave and be replaced on the roster by left-handed pitcher Donnie Joseph.

That comes at a good time for Davis, who was shelled in last night’s game in New York, though he shouldn’t miss his next turn in the rotation. The Royals get to add an arm to the roster while Davis is gone (the paternity leave policy allows up to three days off) and, with the All-Star break coming before Davis’s next turn, he won’t miss his next start.

Donnie Joseph. (Photo: Minda Haas)

Joseph had a great spring, striking out 14 in 10 innings, but roster flexibility concerns led to him being optioned to Omaha to start the year. He had an okay April, a rough May, but he’s been very good in June and now into July. In the first two months, Joseph gave up 12 runs in 17.2 innings. Since, he’s allowed only three runs in 21 innings. He could have much better walk numbers (5 BB/9 and a 13.8% walkrate), but he’s striking out 14 batters per nine innings in Omaha and more than one third of his batters faced have struck out overall.

Joseph is also a more traditional left-handed reliever with a better platoon advantage than Tim Collins, who has never been a lefty specialist.

According to Minda Haas in Omaha, Joseph is referred to as “DoJo”, so when he makes his big league debut, you can keep that in mind.

Rustin Dodd suggests this is good timing for Davis to hide away after his eight run night:

He could use the break. Davis has a 5.89 ERA in 18 starts this season. Regardless, we send congratulations to he and his wife Katelyn.