SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -Barry Zito was demoted to the bullpen Monday by the San Francisco Giants, who hope the former ace can correct his problems by working in relief.
Zito, who only 16 months ago signed a $126 million, seven-year contract with the Giants to lead their rotation, was informed of the move in a meeting with manager Bruce Bochy.
The left-hander has lost his first six starts this season and has a 7.53 ERA that jumped considerably after Zito was tagged for eight earned runs in a 10-1 loss Sunday to Cincinnati.
T Park during his shortest outing of the year.
A three-time All-Star, Zito is only the third pitcher since 1956 to go 0-6 in April, joining Texas’ Dave Stewart (1984) and Detroit’s Mike Maroth (2003).
The durable Zito has made 247 consecutive starts without missing a turn due to injury, the longest streak in the majors. He made his only big league relief appearance last season.
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