Mainieri discusses Sunday starter move

With another weekend series approaching for the Tigers, Paul Mainieri discusses his decision to switch Sunday starters. While the decision was aided by the performance of Cody Glenn on Tuesday, that isn't the only reason the move was made for this weekend.

With LSU approaching their third weekend series of 2013, Tiger fans can already expect some movements within the pitching rotation. Coach Paul Mainieri has a plan in mind that he would like to put into action this weekend when Brown and Nicholls State travel to Alex Box Stadium for a series.

Following a superb performance by sophomore left-hander Cody Glenn on Tuesday night against UL-Lafayette, Mainieri plans to move up his next start and put him on the mound on Sunday to pitch against Nicholls State. Mainieri explained that what he saw on Tuesday from 6-4 195 pound Glenn was what he had been waiting for.

“Cody Glenn pitched very well against UL-Lafayette and we gave him a lot of defensive support,” said Mainieri. “He was really remarkable the other night, not only because he threw seven shutout innings, but also because he did it in only 69 pitches.”

“Because Cody was able to be efficient last night, that allows us to move forward with our initial plan.”

While it is not set in stone, Mainieri believes that giving the start to Glenn, who has thrown 12 innings and allowed only six hits, is what will happen because there are several factors working in his favor. Even though senior Brent Bonvillain will not get the start on Sunday, he will get some meaningful innings on the mound.

“I’d like to turn around and start him on Sunday this week,” said Mainieri. “If he feels good enough, that is what we are going to do. It was a really cool evening so I think that he will be ready to go this weekend.”

“We will pitch Bonvillain out of the bullpen this weekend and allow him to start during the week next week.”

When Mainieri decided that he wanted to give Glenn the start on Sunday against Nicholls State, more than just his performance from Tuesday was considered. Mainieri explained that it is part of his protocol to not pitch players against schools that they attended at one time, as is the case with Bonvillain and Nicholls State.

“Bonvillain started his career at Nicholls State. It’s a philosophy of mine to not start kids against their old teams,” said Mainieri. “The media has too much fun with that and I don’t want anything said to him. It would dominate the headlines of the game.”

Mainieri also believes that there is still a possibility of Bonvillain regaining that third starter spot before SEC play opens up.

“Between Glenn and Bonvillain, we will get a starter for our SEC opener against Mississippi State,” explained Mainieri.

One person that isn’t worried about the start is Glenn himself. He explained that he would not look to change his approach at all from where it is right now.

“I don’t think my mentality will change at all,” said Glenn. “I just want to go out and fill the strike zone like I did against UL-Lafayette.”

With so much uncertainty surrounding the third starter spot moving forward, Glenn explained that he will just control what he can control and let Mainieri take care of the rest.

“I’m just going to pitch to the best of my abilities and leave the rest of the decisions up to coach,” said Glenn. “I’m ready to see what it’s like because I know I’ll be able to handle the pressure of the role.”