8. LAD – Kershaw/Maeda
Kershaw: 70 IP, 6-1, 1.67 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 80 K
Maeda: 52 IP, 3-3, 3.29 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 48 K
This may seem a little high on the list for a rotation that had two of the top starting pitchers in the MLB over the first month of the season.
Clayton Kershaw has been his typical self, dominating hitters with his mix of impressive stuff and ridiculous control. He is still probably the best pitcher in the major leagues.
Kenta Maeda started off the season hot, only allowing one run in his first four starts. But the Japanese-born righty has cooled off considerably in recent outings. He had not made it through the sixth inning in his last two starts and has given up four runs in those games as well. Hitters seem to have adjusted to the 28 year-old and Maeda will need to adjust if he hopes to continue to be the number two starter behind Kershaw for the rest of this year.
Meada’s pure stuff does not scream a top of the rotation starter and he’s going to have to prove that he belongs among the MLB’s best. Kershaw may carry the Los Angeles’ rotation, but this ranking is for who is the best 1-2 combo and Maeda’s recent struggles and lack of a track record keeps the game’s best pitcher out of the top five.
Next: Number 7