Jun 18, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz (11) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The won loss stat is misleading and has been somewhat relegated to a statistical dust bin thanks to Felix Hernandez a few seasons ago. Buchholz has made every start and is ranked eighth among AL starters in WAR at 2.1. What also stands out is a 3.87 ERA compensated by a 2.82 FIP.
Buchholz K/9 is a career best 8.79. The negative side it the K’s are a good thing since the BABIP is at .335. Where the real change is noted with Buchholz is use of the two seamed fast ball in his repertoire. That use has almost tripled since 2014.
Buchholz is certainly not an elite pitcher. No Chris Archer, Dallas Keuchel or Sonny Gray, but a competent starter that at his current pace could (gasp!) be classified as an Ace later in the season.
So a Buchholz selection could be deserved and would not raise any “Why him?”