Previously, we looked at Barrels, a stat combining exit velocity and launch angle to measure how often a batter makes quality hard contact. As much as batters want to hit a Barrel every time, pitchers want to avoid them at all costs. Yet there is some evidence that pitchers do not have the same influence over Barrels as a batter does.[...]

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If youre an advocate to abolish pitchers hitting in the National League, you might use Jimmy Nelson as a prime example. During a breakout season in 2017, Nelson slid into first base during his September 8 start, jamming his throwing shoulder. Diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain and partial anterior labrum tear, Nelson was put on the operating table to undergo surgery. It was a devastating blow to a Milwaukee Brewers team trying to win the NL Central division, which they ultimately lost, but it [...]

A tough position to evaluate is that of relief pitchers, as a lot of success for closers comes from success from teams. There are also a lot of bullpens by committee these days, further stifling the value of closers.That being said, only four of the pitchers that ranked in the top-10 in saves in 2017 followed up in 2018. One of those pitchers had a huge jump in saves, but [...]

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The Toronto Blue Jays acquired starting pitcher Clayton Richard and cash considerations from the San Diego Padres on Sunday in exchange for minor league outfielder Connor Panas. Richard, a 35-year-old left-hander, was 7-11 with a poor 5.33 ERA, 1.38 [...]

The San Diego Padres designated starting pitcher Clayton Richard for assignment on Thursday. The roster move was to accommodate the recent signing of second baseman Ian Kinsler on the 40-man roster. Richard, who posted a 5.33 ERA and 1.38 [...]

Welcome to our surprising starts series. Every week we'll be going over a few surprising starting pitcher performances around the majors to determine whether these starts were smoke and mirrors or something more. We are beginning to see good production from somewhat unknown and unheralded pitchers due to September callups. The pitchers that were covered this week have all thrown fewer than 35 innings in the majors this season. Reds lefty Cody Reed struck out double digit Cubs in just five [...]

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Clayton Richard (knee), who had a season-ending left knee debridement last week, is expected to undergo another surgery to clean up bone spurs in his right knee next month. The left-hander finished the year with a 5.33 ERA in 27 starts and wasn't much use to fantasy owners at all. Richard has a year left on his contract and will be in a competition for a rotation spot next spring. He shouldn't be drafted in most leagues even if he wins a rotation spot.