National League Pitchers of the Month: April 2024
Sportsgrid Staff
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Just Missed the Podium: Jordan Hicks, SFG
March/April stats: 2-0 (6 GS), 1.59 ERA, 34.0 IP, 27 K, 10 BB, 0.7 fWAR
Jordan Hicks currently holds the fourth-best ERA in the National League at 1.59. Despite this, his deeper metrics reveal less dominance, with a 3.10 FIP and 3.76 xFIP, suggesting he's benefiting from a notably low BABIP of .225 and a HR/FB rate of just 4.0%.
Nevertheless, Hicks has been impressive in his transition from a full-time reliever to a starting pitcher. He's averaging 5.2 innings per start and has not allowed more than two earned runs in any game. The main question remains whether he can maintain this performance throughout the entire season, but for now, his efforts are commendable.
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This post appeared first on Just Baseball.
Gold Medal Pitcher of the Month: Ranger Suárez, PHI
March/April stats: 5-0 (6 GS), 1.32 ERA, 41.0 IP, 40 K, 5 BB, 1.3 fWAR
Where did this extraordinary version of Ranger Suárez emerge from? Since 2021, the 28-year-old has developed into a dependable mid-rotation starter for the Phillies, but in 2024, he has ascended to an entirely new level. The left-hander currently boasts the best ERA in the NL at 1.32, with his performance solidly supported by leading the league in xERA, xFIP, and SIERA.
Though his strikeout rate of 8.78 K/9 might be considered average, Suárez excels in control, walking only 1.10 batters per nine innings — the best rate among qualified NL starters. He's also securing ground balls at the second-highest rate in the league. His recent form is impressive, with his last five starts all being quality starts, including a shutout against the Rockies on April 16.
This post appeared first on Just Baseball.
Silver Medal Pitcher of the Month: Zack Wheeler, PHI
March/April stats: 2-3 (6 GS), 1.93 ERA, 37.1 IP, 46 K, 11 BB, 1.4 fWAR
While the other two pitchers on the podium have been unexpected highlights this season, Zack Wheeler’s presence on this list is anything but surprising. Heading into the 2024 season, Wheeler entered as a legitimate NL Cy Young contender, and the seasoned right-hander is indeed justifying that high expectation.
The Phillies ace currently leads the fWAR leaderboard, bolstered by a league-best 2.44 FIP across 37.1 innings pitched. Wheeler has consistently delivered, pitching at least six innings in five of his six starts, and his 46 strikeouts are the second most in the National League. Despite a slight decrease in velocity, Wheeler remains as dominant as ever, achieving a career-high 31.1% strikeout rate.
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Bronze Medal Pitcher of the Month: Shota Imanaga, CHC
March/April stats: 4-0 (5 GS), 0.98 ERA, 27.2 IP, 28 K, 3 BB, 0.9 fWAR
Shota Imanaga has pitched 27.2 innings so far this season, which is just shy of the threshold required to qualify for the ERA title, yet his performance during this time has been outstanding. The two-time NPB All-Star didn't allow an earned run until his fourth MLB appearance, and his impressive 0.98 ERA would be the best in baseball had he met the 30 IP qualification.
Most notably, Imanaga has issued just three walks this season, with two occurring in a single outing. Just one month into the season, he has already established himself as the leading candidate for NL Rookie of the Year and is on track to potentially become the second player ever to win both Rookie of the Year and the NL Cy Young Award in the same season.
Just Missed the Podium: Jordan Hicks, SFG
March/April stats: 2-0 (6 GS), 1.59 ERA, 34.0 IP, 27 K, 10 BB, 0.7 fWAR
Jordan Hicks currently holds the fourth-best ERA in the National League at 1.59. Despite this, his deeper metrics reveal less dominance, with a 3.10 FIP and 3.76 xFIP, suggesting he's benefiting from a notably low BABIP of .225 and a HR/FB rate of just 4.0%.
Nevertheless, Hicks has been impressive in his transition from a full-time reliever to a starting pitcher. He's averaging 5.2 innings per start and has not allowed more than two earned runs in any game. The main question remains whether he can maintain this performance throughout the entire season, but for now, his efforts are commendable.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
This post appeared first on Just Baseball.
Gold Medal Pitcher of the Month: Ranger Suárez, PHI
March/April stats: 5-0 (6 GS), 1.32 ERA, 41.0 IP, 40 K, 5 BB, 1.3 fWAR
Where did this extraordinary version of Ranger Suárez emerge from? Since 2021, the 28-year-old has developed into a dependable mid-rotation starter for the Phillies, but in 2024, he has ascended to an entirely new level. The left-hander currently boasts the best ERA in the NL at 1.32, with his performance solidly supported by leading the league in xERA, xFIP, and SIERA.
Though his strikeout rate of 8.78 K/9 might be considered average, Suárez excels in control, walking only 1.10 batters per nine innings — the best rate among qualified NL starters. He's also securing ground balls at the second-highest rate in the league. His recent form is impressive, with his last five starts all being quality starts, including a shutout against the Rockies on April 16.
This post appeared first on Just Baseball.
