Jake Arrieta’s still got it
Coming into this season, there were serious concerns that Jake Arrieta was on the decline. His numbers and fastball velocity both dipped considerably last year, leading to worries his age was starting to impact the former Cy Young winner.
Two months into the season, Jake Arrieta is proving those concerned about him wrong. He was simply dominant in May, posting the lowest ERA (0.90) of all National League pitchers. Justin Verlander was the only other pitcher with a lower ERA in May. Arrieta didn’t allow a run in three of his five starts last month. He ranked 10th among all NL pitchers in wins above replacement in May.
Arrieta hasn’t struck out many batters, but that isn’t his goal anymore. Instead, he is more worried about avoiding hard contact and keeping the ball in the park. His ground-ball and home-run rates are both career-bests. Arrieta leads all pitchers in fewest home runs per nine innings (0.309), allowing just two all season.
Arrieta has found a way to keep up his success with the Phillies, even if he has had to adjust his approach on the mound. He had plenty of success in May and should continue it the rest of the season.