Why can't Arroyo get any run support?

[AmarilloRed]

It was the first time the Reds were shut out since July 29 against the Cubs. Almost surprisingly, Arroyo wasn't pitching that day. Although run support has been better recently, Cincinnati scored two runs or less in 14 of the right-hander's 33 starts -- including three shutouts. The club is 12-21 in his starts despite 21 quality outings.

It's partially why Arroyo's record is less than shining at 9-14 with a 4.22 ERA. A rough middle portion of the season hurt and he was 3-9 with a 4.84 ERA in the first half -- including seven consecutive losing decisions. He is 6-5 with a 3.48 ERA in 15 starts since the All-Star break.

In 2006, Arroyo was 14-11 with a 3.29 ERA and a Major League-most 240 2/3 innings.

"Other than probably two outings against Washington [both two innings or less], I feel like I've had close to the same year I had last year," Arroyo said. "Last year, I had 23 quality starts. This year, I have 21. I'm over 200 innings now and my strikeouts aren't that much off of last year. The first half really killed me not being able to build up wins when I had those good outings to start the season."

2 runs or less in 14 of 33 starts is not very good. He has given us 21 quality starts this year, just a little worse than last year, but the Reds have not given him any run support. I hate to sound the what ifs, but this could have been a different year if the Reds had given Arroyo some run support this year.