Pittsburgh Pirates first half grades for pitching staff
By Matt Shetler
Relievers
Jul 3, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Mark Melancon (35) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Melancon (2-1, 2 SV 41.1 IP, 0.87 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 44 K, 4 BB)
Talk about a difference maker. Melancon has been nothing short of spectacular in the setup role. He may be a bit overused, but you wouldn’t know it by his stat line. His ERA and WHIP are fantastic, but his strikeout to walk ratio is insanely good.
I think it is safe to say that the Pirates won the Joel Hanrahan trade already. Melancon was one of my X-factors coming into the season and has more than exceeded expectations. If there was a year for a setup guy to make the All-Star team, this should be it. Grade: A+
Jason Grilli (0-1, 28 SV, 37.2 IP, 2.15 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 60 K, 7 BB)
Grilli is a similar story to Melancon as who really knew if he could handle the closer role? He not only has shown he can handle it, but Grilli has shown he can thrive in it. The key has not only been the fact that Grilli can get a strikeout any time he wants it seems, but he doesn’t beat himself with walks. The major league leader in saves should be a shoo-in for the All-Star Game. Grade: A+
Tony Watson (2-1, 2 SV, 42.0 IP, 3.45 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 34 K, 10 BB)
Watson hit a rough spot for a couple weeks, but he is as reliable as he has always been. Clint Hurdle shows great faith in Watson and the lefty comes through more times than not. Grade: B+
Justin Wilson (5-1, 47.0 IP, 2.11 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 41 K, 19 BB)
It seems like everyone out of the Pirates pen throws in the mid-90’s, and that’s been a key for Wilson. The rookie just comes in and throws gas from the left side and could be the unsung hero of the bullpen. When Wilson pitches, the Pirates usually win. You couldn’t ask for much more from him. It’s nice for Hurdle to have a pair of lefties in the pen for a change. Grade: A