Pitchers
How Strikeout Machine Robbie Ray Became His Best Self in Arizona
Robbie Ray was a question mark when the Detroit Tigers acquired him for Doug Fister four years ago. He's now an exclamation point for the Diamondbacks.
The Rockies Look Good, and Believe It or Not They Have Young Pitchers to Thank
The Rockies probably aren't winning the World Series, but the success of a pair of homegrown arms is making them look pretty good now, and a lot more hopeful for the future.
Looking for a Hit, the Cleveland Indians Have Doubled Down on Pitching
The Cleveland Indians have as good a shot at a World Series berth as any team in the AL. If things had worked out better at the deadline, it'd be even better.
The Forgettable Career and Memorable Triumphs of Kyle Lohse
Kyle Lohse was never a great pitcher, and needed St. Louis Cardinals magic to become a good one. But he did a lot with nothing much for years. That's something.
The Trade Market for Closers Is Insane, and the Royals Would Be Crazy Not to Take Advantage
The Yankees got a great prospect haul for Aroldis Chapman. The Royals, who have holes to fill and a closer worth more to other teams than them, could do even better.
Watching Steven Wright, Who Is For Real, And Really Weird
Steven Wright has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this year. He's also a knuckleballer, which adds a satisfying edge of weirdness to his success.
Watching Yu Darvish, An Ace At Play
The Texas Rangers are getting Yu Darvish back at exactly the right moment. It's not just that he steadies a shaky rotation. He brings an element of magic to it, too.
Where Does Matt Harvey Go from Here?
After a historically great recovery from Tommy John surgery, the New York Mets' erstwhile ace already looks gassed and out of answers.
Noah Syndergaard and Max Scherzer Did Amazing Things Last Night
Noah Syndergaard and Max Scherzer put on two different kinds of shows last night, both highly entertaining.
Free Baseball with Dave Brown: Tim Lincecum Tries To Get His Freak On Again
There's a lot going on in baseball this weekend, but somehow a tryout in a spring training stadium in Arizona is as compelling as Cubs-Nationals and Red Sox-Yankees.
Recovering Ballplayer Vol. 4: Swag Baseball Out Again
The battle over unwritten rules is actually about the battle between pitchers and position players. To solve it, we must heed the man who was both: Babe Ruth.
Matt Harvey's Health Is More Important Than the Mets
Harvey's choice to follow his surgeon's advice, which may end his season, isn't a departure from the true competitor's path; it's a sharp return to it.