5. WAS – Scherzer/Strasburg
Scherzer: 66.1 IP, 5-3, 3.80 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 84 K
Strasburg: 61 IP, 7-0, 2.80 ERA, 1.082 WHIP, 75 K
While Stephen Strasburg as been the better of the two pitchers this season, Max Scherzer should still be regarded as the ace of the Nationals’ rotation because of the types of dominant performances he can turn in like his record tying 20 strikeout outing from a week ago against the Detroit Tigers.
Scherzer hasn’t gotten off to his best start because of the increased number of long balls he’s given up. However, taking a look at his other peripheral numbers, they don’t seem that much different from his impressive 2015 campaign.
Scherzer is letting up slightly over one more walk a game than he did last year, but he is also averaging one more strikeout per game. His fly ball and ground ball numbers are basically the same as last year as well. He also hasn’t seen a dip of velocity in his fastball, either. Scherzer has been a victim of some bad luck to start this year, and his numbers should return to form as we get further into the season.
But while Scherzer’s home run numbers have ticked up, Strasburg’s have been on the way down this season. Like Scherzer this year, Strasburg has recently been plagued by the home run ball, even when his peripheral stats look like he should be producing better results.
In 2016, Strasburg may be on his way to having a career year. He has given up less long balls and his other numbers have been consistent with years past as well. He still has a great fastball and one of the best curveballs in MLB, so it shouldn’t be a surprise of he is one of the better starting pitchers in the National League when all is said and done.
Next: Number 4