5. SP Chris Archer – TBR
A stark contrast between Chris Archer‘s first three starts in 2015 (2-1, 1.37 ERA, 21 K) and 2016 (0-3, 5.87, 23). Make no mistake though, he is the best starter on a Rays rotation loaded with talent and still awaiting the return of Alex Cobb.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Archer finished second in the American League and fourth across all MLB in strikeouts last season. He’s had a rough start to the 2016 campaign, but he will rebound. His K/9 of 13.5 marks his best start categorically in that regard, so he’s having no issues fanning batters. His stuff is still powerful and his slider remains nasty.
Facing Toronto, Baltimore and Cleveland in his first three starts has led to high hit and walk totals. The Blue Jays and Orioles are both divisional rivals with advanced scouting reports on Archer. Furthermore, they boast two of the more potent offenses in the league. Baltimore especially, as they currently lead MLB in the team categories of home runs hit and are second in club batting average with a .291 mark.
Archer will get the Red Sox in his next start. Historically he hasn’t been very good versus them or at Fenway, so if he turns in another clunker, shortly thereafter will be the perfect time to pounce.
Next: Todd Frazier