James Paxton
The Big Maple (who came up with that nickname?) gets the Mariners All-Star nod despite his injuries and semi-recent stumbles for being easily the best Mariners starter when on the mound this season.
Ariel Mirandawas the only starter to make it through the entire first half without significant time missed and he’s been solid, butMiranda gives up too many home runsto make my little All-Star team.
Paxton overall, has won seven games in 81.1 innings, striking out 91 batters and posting a 3.21 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Probably the most refreshing stat that Pax has posted so far this season is his five home runs allowed.
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By comparison,Sam Gaviglio,Christian Bergman, and evenDan Altavillahave all given up more home runs in far fewer innings than Paxton. Even Felix Hernandez has allowed 11 home runs in 50.2 innings this year.
It’s been a year in which Mariners starters have had a hard time keeping opposing hitters in the park. Paxton has struck people out and allowed his outfielders to make plays the way this team was intended to do all season.
The Mariners are likely looking to next season as their AL rivals consolidate power and try to put themselves over the top for the playoffs. Look for Jerry Dipoto to try and keep his core while adding starting pitching that can make an impact next season as we approach the Trade Deadline.
Next: Three Mariners Trade Candidates
Hopefully they won’t be completely unwatchable for the rest of 2017 with these three players sticking in Seattle and playing well the rest of the way.
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