After nearly 12 hours of deliberation behind closed doors, the Lumber Company’s leadership duo, Howie Fine and Mark Rosenman, emerged to announce another roster move. Veteran utility infielder Damion Easley, who had only one plate appearance in 12 games, has been waived. In his place, the team has signed right-handed pitcher Dustin Hermanson, looking to strengthen their struggling pitching staff.
Hermanson, coming off an impressive 1998 campaign with the Montreal Expos, brings versatility as both a starter and reliever. Last season, the 25-year-old posted a 14-11 record with a 3.13 ERA across 32 appearances (30 starts). He logged 187 innings while striking out 154 batters, issuing just 56 walks, and maintaining a solid 1.171 WHIP. His ability to limit home runs (1.0 HR/9) and keep hitters to a .234 batting average will provide a much-needed boost to a staff that has been inconsistent this season.
While Hermanson is expected to share duties with Brian Bohanon in a tandem pitching role, Fine and Rosenman hinted at the potential for flexibility based on matchups. “Dustin’s versatility gives us options,” Fine said. “He’s capable of starting or coming in as a long reliever, and that’s exactly what we need right now.”
Both managers appeared visibly drained during their press conference, a reflection of the team’s struggles and the difficult decisions they’ve faced. Despite breaking their six-game losing streak earlier this week, the Lumber Company’s season remains on shaky ground.
Fans hope that Hermanson’s 1998 form can translate into success for the Lumber Company, as the team looks to climb back into contention. Fine summed it up best: “We’re doing everything we can to turn this around. This move gives us a chance to stabilize our pitching staff, but it’s on all of us to make it count.”
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