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August Pitchers Report

VegasInsider Staff
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
5 minute read
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April | May | June | July

With the MLB trading deadline closed, and the NFL preseason whetting our palates, the month of August sets the table for the stretch run of the baseball season. The question is which pitchers can we count on to satisfy our tastes, and which ones figure to sour our stomachs? Take a look below.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of August. On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in August, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each April over the last three years. And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s August list.

I’ll be back next month with September’s Good Month Pitchers. Until then, make like legendary singer and songwriter Neil Diamond and enjoy the hot August nights.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Bauer, Trevor - 12-3 (6-1 A)

In Bauer's last start in July, he added a whole new dimension to the phrase "control pitcher". With that behind him, the right-hander can focus on being a top-notch pitcher like he's frequently been in the latter stages of the season. Bauer can have a big month if he cuts back on silly mistakes now that he’s joined a pitching-rich Reds’ staff.

Hamels, Cole - 14-3 (7-1 H)

The Cubs left-hander was in the midst of a fine season at 6-3 with a 2.98 ERA when he suffered aleft oblique strain. He made one rehab start on July 26th and if the next one goes well, he'll be back with Chicago in the early part of this month. If the Cubs are to return to the playoffs, they will need a healthy Hamels.

*Kluber, Corey - 15-2 (9-1 H)

The Cleveland right-hander is getting close to returning after breaking his right arm early in the season. Last month he tossed off the bullpen mound and is inching closer to a couple of rehab starts. If all goes well, he'll be back with the Indians in the second half of August and could be a major factor for the Tribe when the postseason starts, especially now that Bauer has been shipped off to Cincinnati.

Pomeranz, Drew - 9-3 (7-1 A)

The Giants lefty was afforded every opportunity to turn his season around, but with an ERA of 6.42 after another terrible start, manager Bruce Boche pulled the plug. Pomeranz is now working out of the bullpen, where he will stay barring an injury to a San Francisco starter.

*Porcello, Rick - 12-6 (7-2 H)

It has been an extremely long season for the former Cu Young winner. A good outing now for Porcello is three runs allowed in five or six innings. In an era of low batting averages, opposing batters are knocking him around for over a .280 average. As bad as he's pitched, on the road he's surrendered a .313 BA on the road. Boston could use a typical August from Porcello, but that seems unlikely.

Roark, Tanner - 13-4 (7-2 A)

After a 16-10 season with career-best 2.87 ERA in 2016, Roark was 22-26 the next two years with an ERA of 4.50. He was traded to Cincinnati in the off-season and was pitching well through June with a 3.36 ERA, but with only a .500 record due to a lack of run support. At the end of July, his ERA had zoomed to 4.24. Let's see if the right-hander can turn it around this month.

Scherzer, Max - 11-5 (5-2 A)

After being one baseball's most durable starting pitcher, Mad Max begins the month on the IL, his second stint since July. He has something called a rhomboid strain (upper back). Because this is a stretch or tear of these muscles, rest is the only real cure and there is no timetable for Scherzer return. Needless to say, Washington needs its ace.

Taillon, Jameson - 11-5 (7-1 A)

The right-hander has been out since the beginning of May because of a flexor strain and started to throw in July. On the 24th he felt tightness in his elbow and was shut down. Taillon is likely done for 2019.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Cashner, Andrew - 5-10 (2-5 H)

Cashner's ERA was about the same this season with Baltimore to match career numbers, but thanks to run support he had a 9-3 record. Traded to Boston, Cashner immediately began to get hit like a drum in a marching band, having to pitch with pressure. Unless the Red Sox hit, Cashner will not win many games for his new club.

Cole, Gerrit - 5-10 (3-6 H)

Don't expect Cole to continue to fight for wins this month. The righty is having a terrific season as 12-5 with a 2.94 ERA as August commences and with Houston's offense, he'll pile up the victories.

Matz, Steven - 2-8 (0-4 A)

Strictly a back of the rotation hurler who is a fly ball pitcher and in today's game, that's a problem. Matz is in the Top 15 of long balls allowed in the senior circuit and will likely stay there for the rest of 2019.

Sanchez, Anibal - 5-11 (2-6 H)

Thought as just an innings-eater and 5th starter for Washington, Sanchez has an ERA under 3.00 since May. With alittle better run support, he and the Nationals would have a better than 8-5 record in the span. As good as he's pitched, the numbers suggest regression going forward.


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