Not so sure about Scherzer to the 'pen

Max Scherzer is up with the Diamondbacks this week. Scherzer is headed for the bullpen. Given his successes in the minor leagues, this year included, it would appear he's far too talented for middle relief. All this kid's done in Triple-A this April is K 38 batters in 23 innings, posting a 1.17 ERA. While Arizona's 'pen might be tired (which is why the D'backs are keeping him out of the rotation after his call-up), Scherzer might be good enough as as starter for them not to need one.
With an off-day late this week, the D'backs can skip Micah Owings' (ankle) start this week and might not miss a beat with Owings' next scheduled outing. That means Scherzer, whom Arizona never pegged for a specific role once he was ready to leave Triple-A, might stay in the bullpen for longer than fantasy owners would like.

With Doug Davis out battling thyroid cancer the D'backs have Edgar Gonzalez filling in as the 5th starter. Gonzalez would appear much better suited for a relief role (half of his appearances in the Majors have come from the bullpen) while Scherzer's electric stuff would seem perfect for a starring role in an already dominant Arizona rotation. If both Gonzalez and then Davis (upon his return in a few weeks) prove ineffective as starters, how prepared can Scherzer be in a starting capacity after shortened performances out of the 'pen? Changing his repetoire from starting every 5th day to middle relief and back to starter again is tough on a young arm and takes time. It's the very reason the Yankees didn't move Joba Chamberlain from his setup role to the rotation when Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes struggled out of the gate. Either Scherzer is headed to the pen for the long haul, or the D'backs will wisen up quickly and get him in the rotation soon. A pitcher as dominant as Scherzer needs an opportunity to contribue as many innings as possible. His value maxes out as a starter.