Poll: National League’s best first-half pitcher

May 3, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) pitches during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

1. Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds
2014 stats: 10-6, 2.13 ERA, 3.16 FIP, 0.891 WHIP, 141 SO, 143.2 IP

Back and healthy, Cueto appears that he did not miss a beat after missing a decent portion of last season. Last season, Mat Latos steeped in and assumed the team’s #1 rotation spot in Cueto’s absence. This season, the roles were reversed due Latos beginning the season on the DL.

The rankings:

ERA: 3rd
FIP: 10th
WHIP: 2nd
SO: 2nd
SO/9: 7th (8.8)
BB/9: 20th (2.2)
SO/BB: 12th (4.03)
BAA: 1st (.179)

Of course, the question will become should the Reds start to limit Cueto’s innings. He leads the National League in IP, and we know of the health issues surrounding Cueto. He didn’t only miss time last year, but has missed starts in previous seasons as well.

If Cueto continues at this pace, he’ll make his $10M 2014 salary look like a bargain as well as the Reds decision to pick up a $10M option for next season a rather easy choice.