Mariners Analysis: M’s to Upgrade Rotation?

Jul 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) delivers a pitch to a Colorado Rockies batter in the first inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Julio Teheran – RHP – Atlanta Braves

Another stud that the M’s could bring in is a player less familiar than Hill, but equally as good, he is Julio Teheran. 11 years Hill’s junior, Teheran could be a long term piece for the Mariners to play with, and why wouldn’t they want that after the season he is having?

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Undoubtedly over-looked because of the team he plays for, this young talent is finally settling in as a premier pitcher in the league. His 2.79 ERA is the tenth lowest in the National League, only behind some of the best pitchers in the game (Kershaw, Bumgarner, Arrieta to name a few). His youth, matched with his talent, has allowed him to pitch deep into games. His 125.2 innings pitched is fourth highest in the NL. That number has been helped by his five shut-out starts that have all gone at least seven innings, highlighted by a complete game one-hitter back in May.

As for personal achievements, that ERA is the lowest of his short four year stint as an every day starter. And where others like Hill don’t help the Mariners walks total, Teheran delivers. He is on pace for just forty-five bases on balls for the entire season- that would tie a career low. That matched with his lower number of hits allowed brings his WHIP to .095 which is the second lowest in all of baseball just behind the stellar Clayton Kershaw.

However the biggest threat to bringing on the Colombian native is his home runs allowed. His sixteen given up is the third most in baseball for pitchers who have an ERA under 3.00. This poses an issue as Safeco Field has allowed the most home runs in baseball this season with 138. If Teheran has already allowed a large number of long bombs, coming to Safeco could cause that number to rise even higher.

Yet, while the home runs are a problem , his ERA and WHIP give enough hope that coming to a hitter-friendly ballpark won’t hurt him too much. So with all the positive aspects that surround his game, Julio Teheran would be a welcomed addition to the rotation.

Next: Andrew Cashner

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