Jesse Chavez (OAK): 3-0, 12.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 12 K/2 BB
Chavez is a largely unknown long-time middle reliever battling for a spot starter job in Oakland. As you can tell from the numbers, the 30-year-old vet is getting the job done. Chavez hasn’t allowed a single run in four appearances thus far, posting a six-to-one strikeout to walk rate. Look for Chavez to be a mid-season fantasy baseball sleeper if (when) one of the A’s starters goes down or struggles.
Justin Masterson (CLE): 2-0, 13 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.62 WHIP, 14 K/2 BB
Masterson and Chavez are the only two qualified starting pitchers to not allow a run this spring and Masterson has been nothing short of untouchable in the early goings. He has only allowed eight baserunners while striking out 14 batters. Look for the Indians ace to try to improve upon his strong 2013 campaign this season.
James Shields (KC): 2-0, 14.2 IP, 0.61 ERA, 0.48 WHIP, 18 K/0 BB
Shields has been mowing down opposing batters at a rate of 11 per nine innings and has allowed a mere seven baserunners over four appearances. The 32-year-old vet had one of his best seasons yet in his first year in Kansas City, posting a 3.15 ERA and 1.24 WHIP, look for similar numbers in 2014.
Jordan Zimmermann (WSH): 1-0, 13 IP, 0.69 ERA, 0.62 WHIP, 12 K/1 BB
Over his last three seasons, Zimmerman has 39 wins and a combined 3.12 ERA. The 28-year-old is picking up right where he left off last season, allowing just eight baserunners over four spring outings. He’s also striking out batters at 12 per nine innings but don’t expect that to carry over into the regular season.
Tom Koehler (MIA): 1-0, 12 IP, 0.75 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 11 K/2 BB
Koehler had a quietly solid rookie year for the Marlins, posting a 4.41 ERA over 143 innings in 2013. He’ll look to improve on that this year and is off to a good start but we’ll have to take a wait-and-see approach to see if the 27-year-old second-year pitcher can really be more than mediocre.
Wade Miley (ARI): 0-1, 14 IP, 1.29 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 11 K/3 BB
Miley has posted very similar numbers over his first two full seasons as a starter but is looking to become more than just a three-and-a-half ERA guy. If he can improve his strikeout numbers and get the baserunners down, Miley could be poised for a big season.
Erasmo Ramirez (SEA): 2-0, 12.2 IP, 1.42 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 10 K/2 BB
While most of the Mariners’ prospect hype has been directed toward Taijuan Walker, the young Ramirez is off to a great start this spring. He’s posted a 4.25 ERA and 1.25 WHIP over his first 131 MLB innings and will look to get to the next level in 2014.
Carlos Martinez (STL): 1-0, 10 IP, 1.80 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 5 K/2 BB
The Cards prospect posted a disappointing 5.08 ERA out of the bullpen last season but is fighting for a starting job this spring. He’s looked good through three appearances so far but not just anyone can crack one of the Majors’ best rotations. Look for Martinez to likely start the season in the bullpen once again.
