Top Five pitchers in MLB: An overview – Part 2
Justin Verlander’s form has been sensational in July as well. In 37.1 innings of top-quality pitching, Verlander has leaked just 12 runs and has bagged 39 strike-outs at an ERA of 2.41. On average, Verlander throws 117 pitches in every start that he makes
and it will be interesting to see how he manages to remain fit with this massive work load on his shoulders.
Boston Red Sox are just in touching distance of the top notch in Major League Baseball and this position is not possible unless both pitching and batting are of top-quality in nature. Luckily, both departments have been at their top this season and this
has helped Boston’s cause thus far.
Josh Beckett has been a sensation at the mound for the Red Sox. In 20 starts this season, Beckett has grabbed 115 strike-outs at a phenomenal ERA of 2.17. He displayed his arm strength in just one game in which he managed a complete-game shut-out. Beckett’s
win-loss record at 9-4 is not the best in the league but it has helped the Red Sox achieve the top spot in the American League East Division which also features the star-laden New York Yankees.
This season, Beckett has improved quite a bit. His career statistics, although decent, are not aspiring. In 1661.2 innings, Beckett has 1516 strike-outs. His win-loss record stands at 121-78 in 266 starts but what has not impressed is his career ERA. His
career ERA of 3.81 is a bit above average and his excellent performance this season will definitely pull this number down.
In the last seven days, Beckett has pitched 14 elegant innings and has given away just five runs at an ERA of 2.57. He has bagged 15 strike-outs and the Red Sox will want Beckett to continue with this form as they head into a crucial phase where they are
pressed hard by the New York Yankees while seeking the top spot in the Majors themselves.
Philadelphia Phillies have dominated the Majors this season and a huge component of their domination has been their flawless pitching staff. Roy Halladay has been their chief weapon and he leads the National League in pitching. His tremendous run at the
mound places him at the fourth position in the list of leading pitchers in MLB.
Halladay has displayed both quality and power at the mound this season. In 22 starts this season thus far, Halladay has pitched six complete games and has registered 13 wins against four losses so far. He has bagged 152 strike-outs already and with 12 more
expected starts, at the current rate, Halladay is expected to finish well above 200 strike-outs.
Roy’s career statistics have been equally impressive. 19 out of his 342 career-starts have been complete-game shut-outs while 64 have been complete games. Halladay has a career win-loss record of 182-90 with 1866 strike-outs. He is in line to reach a couple
of career milestones when he comes out to pitch in the next season.
Placed Number five in the list of the leading pitchers in MLB is Brian Wilson of San Francisco Giants. The All-Star relief pitcher has had an excellent season with the highest number of saves (33) in the season.
He has been a great support for the Giants’ starters, giving away just 16 runs in 49.2 innings at an ERA of 2.72. He is still 29 years of age and has a lot to offer to the game.
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