McClellan is a Solid Cardinals Reliever

LET'S GO KYLE
YOU CAN DO IT!
photo from: www.cdn2.sbnation.com

Kyle MClellan started off his season last year with great numbers.  As the year progressed, he was overused and his ERA declined to 6.43.  McClelellan explains it, "The intensity of the game, the mental and physical fatigue, it got to me.  Everything I was going through last year has helped me out this year.  I changed a few things in my throwing routines, I kind of cut down a little bit."

His numbers this year show that these changes have helped.  As the half-season mark crept on him, his numbers went down to 5.11 ERA.   However, he turned things around.  In August he improved his ERA to 2.70 and then September he threw an ERA of 1.17 in his appearances.

MClellean believes his turnaround this year is due to the fact that the Cardiinals can count on their starters to last longer into the game.  This allows the relievers to remain fresh down the stretch for the bullpen. This year he actually enjoys the opportunity to be put into a tight ballgame.  It "gets his adrenaline going to be put in the pressure of those tight games."
 
Manager, Tony LaRussa has noticed a marked improvement and is glad that he can count on McClellan like he has been able to. LaRuusa said, "He's throwing the ball well.  He's confident. It's not a question of 'Does he have what it takes, stuff and competitiveness,' because he was doing that last year.  At this point it's 'Is he fresh and his delivery intact?"

It's obvious that everything is going better this year for Kyle McClellan.  He's pitching very well and it's at a point in the season when our Cardinals need to rely on him. It's an exciting thing.  Good luck.