Giants pitcher Barry Zito returns to the starting lineup tonight against the Pirates.
Photo by Stephen Dorian Miner

By Stephen Dorian Miner

May 7, 2008

Barry Zito, the $126 million pitcher Giants fans love to hate lately, will return to the starting rotation tonight to face the Pirates in Pittsburgh.

After going 0-6 as the Giants starting pitcher, Zito was demoted to the bullpen and missed the first start of his career Friday in Philadelphia.

Although the staff ‘ace’ has never thrown a pitch in relief, the pitching rotation has continued to struggle and is shy two pitchers due to injury. Hence, manager Bruce Bochy has decided to put Zito back in rotation.

Signed to a seven-year record $126 million contract prior to the 2007 season, Zito has largely been considered a bust by the media and fans.

The 29-year-old lefty had his first losing season in several years in 2007 going 11-13 for the Giants. Although he bounced back in the 2nd half of 2007 season, the 2002 Cy Young Award winner has shown next to no life this year. Besides not winning a game, Zito’s ERA has ballooned to 7.53. He has lost velocity on his fastball, has had trouble locating his pitches, and couldn’t seem to get the big out when it counted.

All eyes will be on Zito tonight in Pittsburgh. Fans and media seem to agree – he has to turn it around, now.