#starting-pitchers

#starting-pitchers

Another winnable game. Another starter pulled early. Another game given up by the bullpen. If you've been watching the Marlins this season, the script is starting to feel all too familiar. A starting pitcher cruises through six innings, and just when he gets into a little bit of trouble, manager Clayton McCullough trots out from the dugout-and hands the game over to the overworked bullpen. The result? More often than not, a narrow lead turns into a frustrating loss, just like Thursday night's 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Braves are expected to activate ace lefty Chris Sale from the 60-day IL this weekend. The veteran southpaw has been sidelined since June due to a fracture in his ribcage, but prior to that he had been firmly in the conversation to win a second consecutive NL Cy Young award with a 2.52 ERA, a 2.69 FIP, and a 30.8% strikeout rate.

"I don't think it's as bad as the ERA says but I think it's a struggle confidence-wise right now," Kelly said after Sunday's loss.

Colton Book's impressive stats don't guarantee a top spot here, as the rankings focus more on current ability rather than pure statistics.