Comparing Clayton Kershaw to the Best Pitchers in Baseball
Kershaw vs. Hernandez
| SO/BB | ER/R | CG | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kershaw | 8.58 | 27/27 | 5 |
| 2 | Hernandez | 6.06 | 39/47 | 0 |
Although Kershaw has been one of the best pitchers in the league over the past few years, and Max Scherzer has been great this year and last, Hernandez has been the most reliable ace since he got his shot in 2005. Kershaw, however, is rapidly taking away that title with his continued dominance. Hernandez trails only Kershaw in the ERA and FIP race, although he is a bit behind him in both categories. There are a few other important stats that Kershaw outperforms Hernandez in, as well.
The Mariner ace has a solid K/9 (9.7) and BB/9 (1.6), as well as SO/BB being among the best at 6.06. But Kershaw’s 8.58 SO/BB is the third best in the MLB, trailing only Phil Hughes and Hisashi Iwakuma. Their rates run among the top-six this century, and are in the top-four this decade.
While Kershaw has also been able to finish off five games and Felix has yet to do so since 2012, he's bailed out his teammates mistakes and not allowed a single unearned run yet this year. Although the players behind Hernandez might not be as reliable as the Dodgers, Kershaw has been able to bail them out throughout the year.
The King is still among the best, but he's letting his crown slip south, right into Kershaw’s hands.
