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, in no particular order.
Seth Lugo (KC – SP)
Week’s Line: 12.1 IP, 1.46 ERA, 0.49 WHIP, 16 K, 11.9 K9, 2 QS
The Royals staff doesn’t get enough credit, and maybe it’s because they have grinders instead of bangers. Whatever. Lugo went out last week and handled two great offenses.
Jose Soriano (LAA – SP)
Week’s Line: 13.2 IP, 0.66 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 16 K, 10.91 K9, 2 QS
Is this the breakout? Huge game in the Bronx on Monday, and Jose doubled down against a resurgent Astros offense on Saturday. The strikeouts are catching up with his elite groundball rate. This could be something.
Ryan Pepiot (TB – SP)
Week’s Line: 13.0 IP, 1.38 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 18 K, 12.46 K9, 1 QS
Different guy, same question. Is Pepiot here? His stuff has always been standout, but he’s been on a stretch where he seems to be clicking all the way around. Giddy up. Just five against Detroit Saturday, but we’ll take that in the little league park the Rays call home this year.
Lucas Giolito (BOS – SP)
Week’s Line: 12 IP, 1.50 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 15 K, 11.25 K9, 2 QS
Big boy quality starts against two playoff hopefuls (@ SEA, @SF). Besides a couple blow ups, Gio has been solid since coming back from the IL. He’s got stupid extension, and he’s starting to hit a rhythm not seen from Lucas since they took his sticky stuff away.
Clarke Schmidt (NYY – SP)
Week’s Line: 14.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.41 WHIP, 8 K, 5.07 K9, 2 QS
Yes it was the Halos and the Orioles, but so what. Both lineups can smash (not smush), and Clarke simply didn’t care. Barely a strikeout (8 in 14.2 innings), but also barely a baserunner (six). Shame his offense let him down in Los Angeles, because that should have been a win.
Logan Webb (SF – SP)
Week’s Line: 7.0 IP, 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 9 K, 11.57 K9, 1 QS
Webb has been superb this year and is in the conversation for top five starters IMHO. Good for 6.0+ every time out (7.0 this week), three or fewer runs (just one Thursday) and a handful of strikeouts (nine). He’s one of the surest bets you’ll see.
Chris Sale (ATL – SP)
Week’s Line: 8.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, 7 K, 7.68 K9, 1 QS
Sale’s longest outing in half a decade was just a pinch too long – he fractured a rib diving for a dribbler in the ninth. Prior to that? Vintage Sale – fastballs located and sliders running. And against the Mets. Yes, please.
Jesus Luzardo (PHI – SP)
Week’s Line: 11.2 IP, 3.09 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 11 K, 8.84 K9, 1 QS
Was he tipping? Probably. Has he fixed it? Maybe. Mixed bag this week, with a shelling in Miami (WHAT?) and a GEM against the Mets. Hopefully he keeps it going, because he’s so fun to watch when he’s cooking.
Garrett Crochet (BOS – SP)
Week’s Line: 6.0 IP, 1.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 8 K, 12.0 K9, 1 QS
I love Crochet, and I still weep my White Sox traded him away for peanuts. All he does is dominate. Seriously. Went into T-Mobile and did his job Wednesday. What was the number… six straight Abs fanning Aaron Judge? Yes Judge smoked him in the next AB, but still. Pretty sure a pitcher has NEVER done that against Thanos. (Checks tape. Confirms). Skenes who?
Will Warren (NYY – SP)
Week’s Line: 12.1 IP, 3.65 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 17 K, 12.64 K9, 2 QS
Almost didn’t feature Warren, because I didn’t love the ERA. Butthe book on Warren is an inflated ERA but pure unbridled filth in the stuff department. 17 strikeouts in just over 12 innings, Will continues to mystify hitters with his fastball variation and ridiculous break. Like I said – filthy.
