Pittsburgh Pirates' Edinson Volquez On Starting Wild Card Game, "I deserve it"

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitcher Edinson Volquez thinks that he deserves the right to start Wednesday's Wild Card game against the San Francisco Giants. He knows that he has earned it. 

Volquez told Bill Brink, "I think I'm ready to pitch this game. I think I deserve it."

The 31-year-old has been solid in the second half of this season. He has mounted a 2.20 ERA over his final 13 starts of the regular season. Volquez, however, has just one career postseason appearance.

Volquez, who signed a one-year, $5-million deal with the Pirates last winter, tossed a 3.04 ERA across 192 2/3 innings this season. He has never pitched in more innings since 2008. Clint Hurdle is very confident in Volquez. 

Hurdle said, "He's an excitable guy. He's a live wire. That's good."

Volquez has bounced around with five teams over his 10 year career. He is 66-59 with a 4.44 ERA. Those career numbers have not reflected his 13-7 record with a 3.04 ERA. He also has an outstanding 1.230 WHIP.