Like
our waistlines after a tasty Labor Day barbeque, MLB rosters expand to
accommodate September, the final month of the season. And as College Football
and the NFL barge onto the scene, MLB pitchers take the final spotlight in hopes
of leading their teams on to the playoff trail. The question is which
ones can we count on and which ones figure to be candidates for offseason
Weight Watchers meetings? Check it out.
Listed
below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in
team starts the last three seasons during the month of September. On the flip
side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in September team starts,
winning 33% percent or less of their efforts. To qualify pitchers must have
made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each September over the
last three years. Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this
pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season's September's list. Enjoy the
games.
GOOD
MONTH PITCHERS:
Carrasco, Carlos • 11-4 (7-2 H)
Carrasco is once again finishing the season
with a flourish. Since July, he has really gotten in an excellent groove and is
on pace to have his fourth straight strong year as a starter. Playing mostly
weak opponents all month, Carrasco and Cleveland should pile up more wins this
month.
Hamels, Cole • 13-4 (7-2 H)
Hamels has stepped right into the Chicago Cubs
rotation and has been motivated by the chance to get back to the playoffs. Cubs
coaches have fine-tuned Hamels pitch selection and as a result his ERA is 0.69
with Chicago.
Happ, J.A. • 11-4 (9-0 A)
Happ is another hurler dialed in with a team
that is heading to the postseason. The All Star left-hander was having a good
season and has thrived in the Yankee Pinstripes with an ERA under 2.40. Likely,
more winning days ahead.
*Kershaw, Clayton • 12-4 (6-2 A)
Remember all the talk of the "sky is falling"
about Kershaw? Let's face it his ERA was almost 3.00, which by human standards
is fantastic. But not for Kershaw, evidently. Since coming off the DL he's been
dealing and guess what, his ERA this season now matches his career
norms. Look for more W's in September.
Lester, Jon • 13-4 (7-2 H)
After a few bumpy starts in July and August,
Lester has gotten back on track and looks to be ready to be the clutch pitcher
he's been throughout his career. The lefty has actually been tougher on the
road, with more strikeouts, fewer walks and lower batting average allowed as
compared to at Wrigley.
Martinez, Carlos • 11-5 (6-2 A)
Not sure what to expect from Martinez at the
moment. He's not pitched since July 30th and been on the DL with shoulder
inflammation. His ERA has steadily been rising since June and his walks are way
up. Stay tuned.
Scherzer, Max • 13-4 (7-0 A)
As great as Mad Max has pitched since 2013,
this year is setting up to be his masterpiece, even on a .500 team. Scherzer's
at a career-low for ERA, opposing batters are hitting under.190 against him and
have an OBP of under .250. This is not supposed to happen to 34-year-old
pitchers. #magnificent
Severino, Luis • 10-1 (4-0 A)
The Yankees ace was pitching like Scherzer
before running into trouble the middle of July. There is no doubt he struggled
for a long stretch, however, upon closer inspection, his WHIP, batting average
allowed and ERA are very close to career norms. Look for Severino to be fine
this month. Note: the 10-1 record is also career mark for Severino.
*Strasburg, Stephen • 9-1 (3-0 A)
Once again, Strasburg, after a stellar start,
landed on the DL. He's made a couple of late August starts and not been
impressive. Typically he finds ways to win games late in the season, even
without his best stuff. But can this occur every year?
Tomlin, Josh • 10-3 (6-0 A)
Tomlin was terrible early for the Tribe and
was sent to the bullpen and later landed on the DL. Unless he comes back and is
fantastic, the 33-year might only get a spot start or two to see if he can make
the playoff roster.
*Verlander, Justin • 12-4 (7-2 A)
The Astros right-hander is on pace to produce a magnificent
season like he did in 2011-12 and with Detroit. Like the other great pitchers
that are Verlander's age, he made the adjustment and has continued to be
outstanding.
BAD MONTH PITCHERS:
*Archer, Chris • 3-13 (1-9 A)
It turns out Archer is anything but an ace as
his career continues to spiral downward. All those years of him just pitching
"in tough luck" cannot hide the fact his record is well below .500
and with an ERA to match. Look for more of the same this month.
Nova, Ivan • 3-10 (1-5 A)
Month by month, Nova has had an 'incredible'
season. His first month he's at a 3.37 ERA, which is followed by 7.51. Nova
rebounds exceptionally at 1.75 in June and July he's back up to 5.53. August
gave us 4.44. September?
*Sale, Chris • 5-10 (2-5 H)
Boston fans and backers have to be concerned with Sale being on
the DL twice since July. Their near perfect season could take a major hit
if Sale is not pitching well come late September before the playoffs. Buyer
beware.
Zimmermann, Jordan • 3-7 (2-5 H)
Zimmerman was on the "Play On" September list
last year, but a winless September in 2017 bounces him to the "Play Against"
category this season. Similar to other pitchers on this list, Zimmermann is a
roller-coaster ride. Here we go again!
For more on Marc Lawrence click here.