Pittsburgh Review

Even at this late point in the season, players still have the opportunity to change the narrative of their year. The latest edition of the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings exemplifies this.

Reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell had a challenging start with the Giants, marked by a delayed season commencement, multiple injured list stints, and subpar performance. By July 9, Snell had only six starts and a 9.51 ERA. However, he has now entered the top 10 for the first time this season and is among an all-southpaw top three.

The rankings are determined by an MLB.com panel considering track record, season-long performance, and recent success. All statistics are current through Tuesday’s games.

1. Tarik Skubal, Tigers (Last poll: 2)

This marks Skubal’s third time topping the rankings this season and his eighth consecutive appearance in either first or second place. The 27-year-old lefty leads the AL with 14 wins, a 2.53 ERA, and 180 strikeouts. After his quality outing against the Mariners on Tuesday, he has matched his career high of 149⅓ innings set in 2021.

2. Chris Sale, Braves (3)

Sale reached his highest ranking following Monday’s game against Snell at Oracle Park where he allowed just three hits over seven scoreless innings with no walks and struck out twelve batters. Over his past eleven outings, Sale boasts a 2.15 ERA and a 1.72 FIP.

3. Blake Snell, Giants (not ranked)

Since returning from his second IL stint on August 2nd with a no-hitter in Cincinnati:

45⅓ IP, 14 H, 5 R (0.99 ERA), 14 BBs, and 60 Ks.

Opponents have hit .097/.176/.159 against him during this period.

4. Paul Skenes, Pirates (1)

Despite Pittsburgh's ten-game losing streak impacting playoff contention chances significantly, Skenes’ performance remains noteworthy with four runs allowed last Saturday but eight strikeouts against one walk at Dodger Stadium.

5. Dylan Cease, Padres (4)

Cease continues to accumulate strikeouts with an MLB-high of 181 K’s including a leading figure of slider-induced strikeouts at109 for any pitch type in2024 while maintaining career-low walk rates.

6.Corbin Burnes,Orioles(5)

Burnes’strikeout rate has declined over four seasons,yet he remains effective limiting walks/hard contact,resulting in12-4 record &2 .71ERA

7.Hunter Greene,Reds(9)

Greene has improved significantly despite leading NL in walks/hit batters;opponents batting only .185 off him&slugging just .300

8.Zack Wheeler ,Phillies(6)

In August,Wheeler allowed two runs/struck out17over14innings likely adding postseason resume

9.Michael King ,Padres(not ranked)

King's improvement since May1st(ERA2 .54/FIP2 .27 )contributed positively despite early struggles

10.Logan Gilbert ,Mariners(not ranked)

Gilbert rebounded from July29 dud to deliver back-to-back brilliant outings using splitter effectively

Others receiving votes: Jack Flaherty(Dodgers),Framber Valdez(Astros),Hunter Brown(Astros),Luis Castillo(Mariners),Cole Ragans(Royals),Seth Lugo(Royals),Christopher Sánchez(Phillies),George Kirby(Mariners),Yusei Kikuchi(Astros ),Bailey Ober(Twins)

Voters: David Adler,Brett Blueweiss ,Scott Chiusano,Doug Gausepohl ,Thomas Harrigan,Bryan Horowitz ,Brent Maguire ,Whitney McIntosh,Ricardo Montes de Oca ,Arturo Pardavila,Manny Randhawa ,Andrew Simon,Zac Vierra