Chapman's performance last night renewed my hope that he will eventually move into the rotation. It was only three batters, but he flashed being a pitcher that can be effective without relying on a 100+ fastball.
I checked out MLB.com's pitch-by-pitch tracking of Chapman's outing and I was surprised to see that, according to MLB.com, 5 of his 11 pitches were listed as changeups, all sitting at 92-94 mph. Is MLB correct? Price said he was not going to throw his changeup often if at all during games.
So setting aside the question of whether there is any chance that the Reds will move him into the rotation in 2011 for a moment, my question is what would be the best way to make the transition in season? Move him into a longman role for a month or 2? Send him to AAA for a few starts? What is the track record for teams moving a reliever to the rotation mid-season?