Most Surprising Pitchers of the Season thus far
Gregory Fisher | USA TODAY Sports
Nine weeks into the season baseball fans have seen it all. Even more surprising is the consistency of the following pitchers putting together a successful campaign to the surprise of fans. The most unexpected success from relievers and starting pitchers will be looked at. Lets get into it.
NYY: Nestor Cortes Jr.
NYY: Nestor Cortes Jr.
Of course, the fantastic season Nestor Cortes Jr., is having should be mentioned. Yankee fans have seen success from Cortes before given his 2.90 earned run average and 148 ERA+ performance in 2021. However, not even the biggest of Yankee fans could have seen ‘Nasty Nestor’ take the baseball world by storm. Cortes has outshined the $324 million man in Gerrit Cole this season which would’ve been an eyebrow raising statement if it was said in April. Cortes is top five in baseball in multiple categories ranking second in hits per nine innings pitched, fourth in pitcher wins above replacement, third in walks and hits per innings pitched. ‘Nasty Nestor’ ranks third in the American League in ERA (1.96) and leads baseball in adjusted ERA+ (252) meaning Cortes is 152 percent better than league average. The numbers speak for themselves.
TEX: Martin Perez
TEX: Martin Perez
Whatever Martin Perez discovered in the offseason worked like a charm because 2022 is his career year. Perez is a seasoned veteran, making his debut in 2012, now pitching in the big leagues for a decade. Perez had eight consecutive seasons with an ERA over 4.30, now surprisingly turned into one of the best pitchers in 2022. Perez ranks second in adjusted ERA behind Nestor Cortes Jr. (248). The Rangers starting pitcher leads baseball in pitcher ERA, home runs per nine innings pitched, and win probability added. Perez is THE guy for Texas Rangers pitching rotation who hopes to figure things out soon. As Perez is the only starter for Texas with an ERA under four while the Rangers are three games under .500.
CWS: Michael Kopech
CWS: Michael Kopech
It was only a matter of time until Michael Kopech proved he can pitch in the big leagues. Injuries and the pandemic set Kopech back with 2021 being his first full season. Missing all of 2019 due to Tommy John surgery and opting out of the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this season Kopech has surprised fans due to his pure dominance given everything he has experienced. Kopech’s 1.94 ERA would’ve been the sixth best in baseball but Kopech does not meet the 60 innings pitched minimum to qualify. Nonetheless, Kopech has shown a minor setback was due for a major comeback shutting out the star- studded Dodgers in his last start. According to MLB.com, Kopech accomplished a rare feat technically throwing a perfect game…. in two games. The Texas native retired the final 13 Yankees in his first start on May 15 then shutting down the first 14 batters in the following start.
TB: JP FEYEREISEN
TB: JP FEYEREISEN
The remarkable season J.P. Feyereisen has had is truly remarkable. Feyereisen pitched in 22 games not allowing a single earned run this season with the golden ERA of 0.00. The Tampa Bay reliever started off the season in the best way possible before being placed on the the 15-day injured list last week. Feyereisen deserves more recognition in the baseball world as his efforts seem unnoticed never mentioned as reliever of the month. Before suffering a right shoulder impingement, Feyereisen didn’t allow an extra base hit this season only giving up seven singles. The 29-year-old showed his potential beforehand putting up solid numbers with the Brewers and Rays last season. Hopefully, Feyereisen returns to his original form continuing this magical season. Feyereisen is in his second full season.
STL: RYAN HELSLEY
STL: RYAN HELSLEY
Another reliever coming out of the gates putting his name on the map is Ryan Helsley. The St. Louis right-hander has been one of the most dominant relievers in the National League with a 0.43 ERA. Helsley’s rookie year in 2019 was impressive but preceded to have a disappointing 2020 and 2021 season. The jump from having an ERA above five to becoming the best in the business is astonishing. Much of his success can be attributed to his electric fastball clocking in on average at 98.9 MPH, according to baseball savant. The fastball-slider combination is lethal as Helsley ranks in the top percentile across multiple statcast categories. Helsley’s baseball savant page is truly a sight to see.
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