Apr 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) throws during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
HOT
2. Francisco Liriano showcased why he may have been the best value starting pitcher signing this past offseason. Over 11.1 innings last week, Liriano pitched to a 2.38 ERA, giving up only three runs on five hits and no home runs in his two starts. But what stood out the most were the 16 strikeouts Liriano had as he blew batters away. He did have eight walks, which is never a good thing, but control has never been Liriano’s specialty. The Pirates need an ace this season, and, right now, the team has three of them at the top of the rotation. On the season Liriano has a 2.22 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP; those are ace numbers to say the least.
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