Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB: Five most surprising pitchers in 2021

By David Mullen

May 11, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means (47) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means (47) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports /

Huascar Ynoa, SP, Atlanta Braves

Huascar Ynoa enters his third year in MLB with the Atlanta Braves. In 2019, his age-21 season, Ynoa only saw two appearances and did horrible. Ynoa gave up six runs in three innings. In his age-22 season, Ynoa saw nine appearances including five starts for the Braves. He compiled a 1.662 WHIP in 21 ⅔ innings pitched while allowing 23 hits and 13 walks. Now in his age-23 season, Ynoa has found his rhythm and comfort. The Braves have placed the righty in the rotation and across eight starts (nine total appearances), Ynoa has struck out an amazing 50 batters in 44 ⅔ innings pitched while only walking 11. His penchant to give up the home run is concerning (7 HR allowed).

The 23-year-old is making up for those home runs but hitting a few of his own. In 17 plate appearances, Ynoa is hitting .353/.353/1.118 with 2 home runs and six RBI’s. Sure, it’s a small sample size and his average will surely drop but he is contributing to the Braves on offense and defense. Despite being one of the five surprising pitchers in 2021, Ynoa is now on the disabled list for the foreseeable future after punching a bench in anger.

Home/MLB News