Like our waistlines after a tasty Labor Day barbeque, MLB rosters expand to accommodate September, the final month of the season. And as College Football and the NFL barge onto the scene, MLB pitchers take the final spotlight in hopes of leading their teams on to the playoff trail. The question is which ones can we count on and which ones figure to be candidates for offseason Weight Watchers meetings? Check it out.
Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team starts the last three seasons during the month of September. On the flip side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in September team starts, winning 33% percent or less of their efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each September over the last three years. Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s September’s list. Enjoy the games.
GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:
*Carrasco, Carlos • 11-4 (7-1 H)
Battling leukemia could return in September, but probably only in relief. The better news is he has the entire organization enamored in his recovery.
Gibson, Kyle • 11-5 (6-2 A)
After having a solid season for Minnesota, Gibson faltered in August with a 6.27 ERA. For the Twins to win their division, they will need the right-hander to be in top form.
*Happ, J.A. • 12-3 (8-0 A)
Happ has not pitched well at all for the Yankees, with his ERA nearly 1.50 higher than normal is surrendering a .270 batting average, along with 32 homers. Skipper Aaron Boone would love another dependable lefty starter for the postseason. However, must respect his road efforts in September.
*Hendricks, Kyle • 10-5 (8-2 A)
After a bumpy start, Hendricks has found his groove and he's at career norms heading into the pennant chase. If the Cubs are to win the NL Central, Hendricks and other Chicago hurlers on this list have to pitch like they usually do.
*Kershaw, Clayton • 13-3 (9-2 A)
Have to love all the negative talk on Kershaw. He's not what he used to be and gives up too many home runs without the big fastball. Not many would pass on a pitcher in September with a 13-3 record and 2.76 ERA.
Kluber, Corey • 12-4 (6-2 A)
While doing a rehab start from a broken arm, Kluber suffered an abdominal strain in August and was shut down for at least two weeks. Hard to surmise what this season will hold for him.
*Lester, Jon • 14-2 (8-1 H)
The lefthander is 35 and his command has not been consistent since May. That explains his ERA 0.75 higher at this point versus what his career number is. Will the warhorse be able to will his way to clutch efforts late in the season? Stay tuned.
Perez, Martin • 11-4 (7-2 H)
Even Minnesota fans knew the lefty Perez could not keep pitching as he did close to the first half of the season. All the Twins faithful care about now is Perez winning as he has in the past during this month.
Porcello, Rick • 12-4 (7-1 A)
Watching the Boston right-hander today, hard to believe he won the Cy Young three years ago. He's on pace for career-highs in ERA, WHIP and walks allowed. It would take a miracle for a complete turnaround.
Quintana, Jose • 11-5 (7-2 H)
Quintana has shaved a half run off his ERA since the end of July. He's back to pitching inside and spotting his tosses and when the port-sider does that, he's at his best.
*Scherzer, Max • 12-4 (5-1 A)
Scherzer came off the DL in late August and now we'll have to see if he can return to total domination and help Washington reach the postseason. We wouldn’t bet against him.
*Severino, Luis • 8-2 (5-0 H)
The Yankees right-hander threw a bullpen session in mid-August, raising hope for a September return.
Snell, Blake • 12-4 (6-1 H)
Snell had arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his pitching elbow in late July and is thought to return this month.
*Strasburg, Stephen • 11-1 (5-0 H)
With some runs the rest of the way from Nationals teammates, Strasburg could have a shot at 20 wins. Based on his previous September's, that's not out of the question.
Vargas, Jason • 9-3 (6-0 H)
The 36-year old's record says .500, however, opposing teams are only hitting .236 against him (.261 career). Let's watch if he can pick up a couple more W's for the Phillies.
*Verlander, Justin • 11-2 (6-1 H)
At 36, one could make the case this might be Verlander's best season yet. Opposing batters are in the .170's for batting average and his WHIP is 0.81. Sick and fifthly dude. And Kate Upton's his wife.
BAD MONTH PITCHERS:
*Archer, Chris • 5-11 (2-9 A)
Went on the IL on August 20 with right shoulder inflammation, might do him well just to shut down after another crummy season.
Arrieta, Jake • 4-9 (-14 H)
The fastball velocity is WAY down, the curve doesn't break down, just across. Arrieta is allowing a batting average of 50 points higher, that's right 50 points, over career number. Ouch!
Duffy, Danny • 2-8 (1-4 H)
Suffered hamstring strain on August 4, could come back in September.
*Nova, Ivan • 4-8 (2-4 A)
After close to being pulled from the White Sox rotation, Nova had an ERA of around 3.00 the last two-month and is 3-2. Does Nova keep pitching well or does he regress to normal September numbers? We’ll see.
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