Several starting pitchers deliver exceptional performances each week, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. From established aces reaffirming their dominance to emerging talents making significant impacts, these pitchers have set the tone for excellence on the mound. Let’s take a look at who tore it up and made noise last week around the league.
Zack Wheeler (PHI – SP)
Week’s Line: 17.0 IP, 0.53 ERA, 0.41 WHIP, 22 K, 11.65 K9, 2 QS
Zack just turned in the best two-step we’ve seen all season, and maybe that we’ll see all season. Honestly, it’s him and Tarik, and then everyone else.
George Kirby (SEA – SP)
Week’s Line: 12.1 IP, 0.73 ERA, 0.57 WHIP, 14 K, 10.41 K9, 2 QS
Good to have George back doing what he does best – limiting walks and racking up the Ks. Yes, both games were at home in the most pitcher-friendly park, but I don’t care. Zero walks in 12.1 innings. Chef’s kiss.
Grant Holmes (ATL – SP, RP)
Week’s Line: 12.0 IP, 1.50 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 15 K, 11.25 K9, 2 QS
Holmes has been really good for the Braves this season, and they’ll need him to continue pitching well (especially with Schwellenbach joining Sale on the long-term IL) if they want to hang in and contend.
Edward Cabrera (MIA – SP)
Week’s Line: 14.0 IP, 1.29 ERA, 0.57 WHIP, 11 K, 7.07 K9, 2 QS
Cabrera has always had the pedigree, but injuries have prevented the train from getting out of the station. But we may be at a point with him, as evidenced by two seven-inning, 90+ pitch outings this past week. If he can limit the walks like he did this week (one in 14 innings), we could be witnessing the breakout because the swing-and-miss stuff is legit.
Ryne Nelson (ARI – SP, RP)
Week’s Line: 13.2 IP, 1.98 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, 12 K, 8.18 K9, 2 QS
Nelson has always had the Stuff+ profile to excel as a 3rd or 4th in an MLB rotation, but for various reasons, he hasn’t put it together in a sustainable run. With Burnes hitting the shelf, he’s getting his shot and has been really good. Since getting smashed in Cincinnati on June 13th, Nelson hasn’t given up more than two runs in a start. Breakout incoming.
Matthew Boyd (CHC – SP)
Week’s Line: 12.0 IP, 1.50 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 14 K, 10.50 K9, 1 QS
Boyd has been a machine for the Cubs this season, a steadying force on the rotation after injuries to studs Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele. And I thought he’d be rattled by the comebacker that almost peed his dome cap a few weeks back. I was wrong.
Joe Ryan (MIN – SP)
Week’s Line: 13.0 IP, 2.08 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 12 K, 8.31 K9, 2 QS
Ryan’s turns against the Florida teams were good ones, resulting in two quality starts. Unfortunately, the Twins couldn’t get him a win in either game, and he now knows how Paul from Pittsburgh feels. The walks have been an issue for Ryan as of late, but he only issued one free pass in 13 innings last week. Speaking of Skenes…
Paul Skenes (PIT – SP)
Week’s Line: 11.2 IP, 3.09 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 11 K, 8.84 K9, 1 QS
He’s still one of the best pitchers on the planet, but all of a sudden, he’s not making six innings consistently, and prior to Sunday, the strikeouts haven’t been elite. Whatever. He still has a sub-2.00 ERA and allows fewer than a baserunner per inning.
Tarik Skubal (DET – SP)
Week’s Line: 7.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.43 WHIP, 10 K, 12.86 K9, 1 QS
Firing off 100 MPH heaters in the seventh inning is just stupid. And he induced 20 swings and misses from the Guardians. TWENTY. His changeup is pure sorcery.
Michael Lorenzen (KC – SP, RP)
Week’s Line: 11.2 IP, 2.31 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 12 K, 9.64 K9, 1 QS
Not great out in T-Mobile on Tuesday, super-great at Chase Field on Sunday. Lorenzen is about as streaky as they get, but limiting the Diamondbacks to three baserunners in seven innings is the exact definition of a big-boy game.
