MLB: Top Rookie Pitchers to Watch

Justin Grimm having great rookie season. Photo credit TexasRangers

The baseball season is now in full swing. There have been some shocks, but generally the season has panned out how most thought it would. One of the surprises has been the performances of the rookie pitchers who are showing a glimpse of the future of pitching in the big leagues. This isn't even including Matt Harvey, who only just missed out on being classified as a rookie.


Justin Grimm, Texas Rangers

After debuting in 2012 Grimm has improved drastically. In 5 appearances in the 2012 (2 starts) he mustered up a 9.00 ERA and gave a less than stellar impression. But in 2013 Grimm has come into his own, maybe not to the level of the other pitchers on this list, but there's no doubt that he's improved since his poor performances in 2012. In his first 3 starts this season Grimm gave up 3 runs altogether, but in his last 2 he played like the 2012 Justin Grimm did. After giving up 3 runs to Chicago White Sox, he followed that up by giving up 5 to the Milwaukee Brewers. Still, his ERA is under 3.50 and he has 2 wins under his belt so the Rangers front office will be delighted with his progress.

Shelby Miller, St. Louis Cardinals

If his first seven starts are anything to go by, Shelby Miller is a superstar in the making. Miller's ERA  is currently third in the major leagues at 1.58, but to truly understand how good Miller has been you have to take a closer look at single games. On Friday night he put together one of the best pitching performances of the season from anyone. After giving up a leadoff single the Cardinals' pitcher recorded 27 straight outs, looking in control from the first pitch to the very last. In all of his starts he has only given up more than 2 runs once, a 3 run tally in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 28th. He's by far the best pitcher on this list, will his success continue?

Hyun-Jin Ryu, Los Angeles Dodgers

The Korean import signed with the Dodgers in December for a reported $36 million over 6 years. In 8 starts this season Hyun-Jin Ryu has compiled a 3.40 ERA while showing the kind of stuff that attracted major league teams to him in the first place. His consistency has been impressive. He has not pitched less than 6 innings or more than 7 innings in any of his starts. The Korean's most impressive start was his April 25th showing against the New York Mets. In 7 innings he only gave up 3 hits while striking out 8. At 26 he is one of the oldest rookies, but there's no doubt that he's one of the best.

Jose Fernandez, Miami Marlins

Jose Fernandez's journey to the big leagues was truly remarkable, but that's a story for another day. The media said that Fernandez was brought up early out of "desperation", but if you've watched him on the mound this season its difficult to agree with the so called experts. In 7 starts the Cuban has a 3.65 ERA and 39 strikeouts, but its his generally demeanor on the mound as well as his overpowering tools that are making the Marlins front office drool. This kid will be a great pitcher in the future, but will that be with the fearless (They aren't scared to upset their fan-base) Marlins or another team?