With so many elbow injuries affecting pitchers all over the league, those who have been healthy and effective are now more valuable to their teams than ever before.
In a world of torn ligaments, flexor strains, and elbow bone spurs, those who are available for their squads every five games and perform well are rare commodities.
MLB has ranked the best pitchers at the dawn of the season so far, and a Baltimore Orioles newcomer gets the top spot.
Two weeks in, these pitchers have started out hot.
(MLB x @SageUSAmerica) pic.twitter.com/PS6QPglCpq
— MLB (@MLB) April 11, 2024
Burnes has taken the hill three times already, with a brilliant 1.93 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 18.2 innings.
The O’s haven’t had an ace like him in ages, and he was probably the missing piece separating Baltimore from a true shot at the World Series title.
Provided he stays healthy (hardly a guarantee these days), he could fight for the AL Cy Young award when all is said and done.
He is also pitching for his next contract, as he will hit the free-agent market soon.
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander and postseason hero Zack Wheeler is the second-ranked pitcher in MLB’s exercise.
He has accumulated a 1.89 ERA in 19 innings so far, and is capable of maintaining a similar performance for the entire season.
Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen appears in third place with a 2.25 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 16 frames so far.
Tyler Glasnow, the new ace of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and surging Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal complete the top five.
Glasnow has his stuff working to perfection so far, leading MLB in strikeouts with 29 in 24 frames.
These have been the most impressive hurlers in baseball so far.
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