MLB's 5 Biggest Surprise Pitchers of the 2019 Season's 1st Half
By Ryan Flores
This MLB season has been a lot different than many thought it would be, with the home run ball being more prevalent than ever. Because so many hitters have been slugging, many of MLB's top arms from 2018 have experienced regression. However, there have been a few arms that have surprised us all and have had fans of pitching watch in awe through first half of the season. Let's take a look at five pitchers who are enjoying remarkable success so far in 2019.
1. Mike Soroka
Coming into the season, Mike Soroka wasn't a part of the Atlanta Braves rotation, but was on the cusp of securing his spot. After posting a 3.51 ERA in five starts in 2018, Soroka has broken out, posting an incredible 2.07 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP in 78.1 innings pitched. It's been a much welcomed surprise for Atlanta, as they've got themselves an ace in the 21-year-old. Add in his performance from Friday night (6.1 IP, 2 ER, 4K, 0 BB, and he's proving to be the biggest breakout star of the year.
2. Matt Boyd
Matt Boyd is finally enjoying some success in his fifth major league season with the Detroit Tigers, as he had never posted an ERA below a 4.39 prior to the 2019 season. Through 17 starts, Boyd has posted a 3.72 ERA, with an awesome 129:20 K:BB ratio in 101.2 innings pitched. His success will likely make him an attractive trade piece before the July 31 trade deadline.
3. Mike Minor
In 28 starts for the Texas Rangers in 2018, Mike Minor posted a 4.18 ERA with 132 strikeouts in 157 innings. Something seemingly clicked for the eight-year veteran, as he's enjoying a career year. In 112.2 innings pitched, Minor has compiled a 2.40 ERA, with a 110:37 K:BB ratio. He's also held hitters to a career low (as a starter) .221 batting average against him. He's clearly been the ace the Rangers have needed him to be.
4. Hyun-Jin Ryu
Yes, Hyun-Jin Ryu had a 1.97 ERA in 82.1 innings pitched (15 starts) in 2018, but he's been even better in 2019. Ryu leads the majors with a 1.27 ERA, over a whole run lower than the second place Mike Minor. His success has been fueled by his ability to limit hits and walks, as he has a minuscule 0.84 WHIP, and an amazing 90:6 K:BB ratio. Ryu is most certainly on a pace to not only have a career year, but also potentially capture the coveted NL Cy Young award.
5. Lucas Giolito
No pitcher has gone through as much of a transformation on the mound as Chicago White Sox ace Lucas Giolito. 2018 was a rough year for Giolito, as he posted a horrific 6.13 ERA, with an abysmal 125:90 K:BB ratio. 2019 has been incredible for the righty, as his 2.87 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 91 innings are all improved marks. He's also matched his career high in wins from last season, with 10 in 15 starts. Giolito is finally turning into the ace the White Sox thought they were getting in the deal for Adam Eaton and the sky is the limit for the young right-hander.