Throwing Heat Week 3

The season has begun and we are back with Throwing Heat! For those who didn’t read these articles last season, this is a weekly article that focuses on pitchers who are pitching well. When we are further into the season it will be based on a pitcher’s previous three starts but for now, it will just be their most recent starts.

The beauty of this article is how it highlights all types of pitchers from the best in the league to pitchers who are barely rostered. If someone is on a hot streak they will be in this article. I will also tell you if the hot streak is legit or if it appears to be a facade. I hope you enjoy it!

Eric Lauer, MIL

Last three starts: 16.1 innings pitched, 2.20 ERA, and a 34.3 K%

Before we dive into Eric Lauer’s overall numbers for the season we need to discuss his most recent start against the Philadelphia Phillies.

He twirled six brilliant innings allowing zero earned runs while striking out 13 hitters. Yes, 13. Yes, Eric Lauer. He had 17 whiffs overall with 11 of them coming from his four-seam fastball. He would also finish with a 36 CSW%, an impressive number.

Overall, Lauer’s season 2.20 ERA comes with a 2.59 FIP, 28.4 K-BB%, and an 11.3 SwStr%. He has opened up the season leaning on his breaking balls more by dropping his four-seam rate by nearly 10 points. Not only is the pitch mix change helping but he has also increased his four-seam velocity for the third season in a row.

There are a lot of changes happening with Lauer here and while it is definitely early he is a pitcher who must be added in all leagues.

Shane McClanahan, TBR

Last three starts: 17.2 innings pitched, 3.06 ERA, and a 35.8 K%.

Shane McClanahan has been on fire to start the season. In four starts overall he boasts a 2.45 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP, and a 30.2 K-BB%. His SwStr% of 18.8% and CSW% of 37.9% are both elite and it’s hard to find any holes in his game right now.

A big worry for people when it came to McClanahan was the innings and the fastball. He only pitched nine innings in his first two starts but since then he has had two quality starts one of which was seven innings. The Rays will need McClanahan with their diminished rotation so I don’t see innings being a problem.

As for the fastball, it is still getting hit hard. But I will say that hitters aren’t making as much contact. The zone contact rate on it is down roughly eight points and the overall contact is down three points.

Shane McClanahan looks overpowering and like an elite pitcher so far this season. I don’t really see it coming to end any time soon.

Madison Bumgarner, ARI

Last three starts: 15.0 innings pitched, 0.60 ERA, and an 18.0 K%.

Madison Bumgarner has only allowed two earned runs in four starts this season. I’m not so sure this success will last though, because his K-BB% is just 4.0%. His walk rate is 13.3% and his strikeout rate is 17.3% both are at or below average. His FIP and SIERA show regression and the .216 BABIP shows he has been lucky. These are small samples of course but I don’t think we should be buying into this start from him.

Chad Kuhl, COL

Last three starts: 16.1 innings pitched, 1.10 ERA, and a 21.0 K%.

Well, this is fun! Chad Kuhl is cruising so far this season but like Madison Bumgarner his underlying metrics are a bit underwhelming (9.7 K-BB%). What is interesting about Chad Kuhl though is his last start.

Facing the Detroit Tigers Chad Kuhl pitched six innings with four strikeouts and one earned run. Not the most eye-opening line but he did induce 15 whiffs which is a really good number. He did so by going slider-heavy, a change from his previous pitch mix. It could just be game-planning but I think it’s worth it to keep an eye on him because if he continues to generate whiffs at that level the strikeouts will come.

If he does start to pitch better in terms of strikeouts he could be worth rostering but then again, he does pitch for Colorado.