Mussina's last two starts

Mike Mussina has been more than serviceable in his last two starts.

Against the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians, Mussina has pitched a combined 12 innings, allowing 11 hits and four earned runs while striking out five and walking two.

Those are fine numbers for a fourth or fifth starter. However, with Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy experiencing their expected growing pains, Mussina is expected to give the team innings along with Chien-Ming Wang and Andy Pettitte.

That said, I'm thrilled to see Mussina rebounding over these last two starts. Aside from two bad starts against Manny Ramirez and the Boston Red Sox, Mussina has actually had a decent April. If Mussina can continue to pitch the way he has, the offense should be able to pick him up eventually.

(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)