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As the MLB regular season nears its end, the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings have seen a familiar face reclaim the top spot. After spending much of the season with a Braves pitcher in the lead, Chris Sale has surged to No. 1. This is a notable achievement given the season’s ups and downs for Atlanta’s pitching staff.
Here's Pitcher Power Rankings-
1. Chris Sale, Braves (Last Poll: 2)
Sale's dominance has been evident since an early-season blip where he allowed eight runs against Oakland on June 1, 2024. Since then, he has posted an impressive 1.91 ERA and 1.67 FIP, with only two home runs allowed over 99 innings. His recent performances, including 13 scoreless innings in his last two starts, have solidified his place as the front-runner for the Cy Young Award and a potential Triple Crown winner.
2. Tarik Skubal, Tigers (Last Poll: 1)
Skubal remains a strong Cy Young contender and has led the rankings four times this season. His performance since the All-Star break includes a 2.79 ERA over nine starts, demonstrating his ability to sustain high-level pitching despite a previously untested workload.
3. Paul Skenes, Pirates (Not Ranked)
Skenes has made a significant return to the top ranks after a brief period out of the top 10. His standout performance includes setting a franchise record for rookie strikeouts with nine in a recent game. With a 200 ERA+, the highest for a rookie since 1905, Skenes has proven himself a formidable force.
4. Zack Wheeler, Phillies (Last Poll: 3)
Wheeler continues to be a consistent performer, making the top 10 in every poll this season. He has been exceptional in recent months, holding a 1.76 ERA and a 60-to-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio since August 1. His form is particularly timely for the Phillies as they head into the postseason.
5. Framber Valdez, Astros (Last Poll: 5)
Valdez has rebounded strongly in the second half of the season, with a 1.83 ERA compared to 3.66 in the first half. His increased strikeout rate and opponents' low batting average against him underscore his resurgence.
6. Seth Lugo, Royals (Last Poll: 8)
Lugo has been resilient, bouncing back from a rough patch with impressive recent outings. He has delivered three consecutive seven-inning performances, allowing only two runs combined. Lugo leads the league with 16 wins and 193 innings pitched.
7. Cole Ragans, Royals (Not Ranked)
Ragans has been a significant contributor for the Royals, showing that his strong finish to the 2023 season was no fluke. After facing the Yankees on Wednesday, he holds a 3.32 ERA and ranks second in MLB strikeouts, underscoring his impact.
8. Michael King, Padres (Last Poll: 9)
King continues to excel for the Padres, maintaining a 2.51 ERA since early May. His performance on the road is notably strong, with a 2.80 ERA away from Petco Park.
9. Logan Gilbert, Mariners (Last Poll: 10)
Despite the Mariners' recent struggles, Gilbert has been consistently effective, allowing no more than two earned runs in five of his last ten starts. He ranks third in innings pitched, first in WHIP, and tied for fifth in strikeouts.
10. Jack Flaherty, Dodgers (Not Ranked)
Flaherty has made a notable impact since joining the Dodgers. His excellent performance includes a 2.61 ERA in seven starts with Los Angeles, highlighted by a recent dominant outing where he pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings.
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