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Ex-Reliever Standing Out Among Rays Starters This Season

Zack Littell has been standing out in recent weeks, becoming the Tampa Bay Rays’ strongest pitcher so far this season. When he last pitched, Littell had a very strong outing. He pitched seven innings with no earned runs and nine strikeouts. Littell leaned heavily on his slider to get called strikes and then used his splitter to generate whiffs. Littell’s strong command on the mound has led him to a 3.03 ERA and 2.95 FIP in 62 innings pitched.

Zack Littell Standing Out Among Rays Starters This Season

Looking at other stats among the Rays pitchers, Littell ranks in the top three in all the categories. His success has led him to be the Rays’ best starting pitcher this season. Although Littell only has a 2-3 record, he sports a solid 3.03 ERA and has 64 strikeouts. Also, within the last five games that he has pitched, he has two games where he recorded seven strikeouts. Littell has showcased this season that he can throw quality pitches with pinpoint control. In the example below against the Oakland Athletics, he makes a perfect borderline pitch to get the strikeout.

Littell’s Arsenal

Littell is also known to have a wicked slider and was successful with using it at 84 mph against Oakland. Unfortunately, Littell is one of many MLB starters who often suffers from a lack of run support. He has had some strong outings this season where didn’t get a win. One instance was Tuesday’s series opener against Oakland, with the Rays losing 3-0 thanks to a three-run home run from Miguel Andujar. Littell deserved a better fate, as he pitched well but received his third loss. He went seven innings pitched, giving up five hits and no earned runs with one walk, nine strikeouts, and 15 whiffs. The 15 whiffs he generated in that game also ranked high among whiffs generated in a game. On May 29th, Littell ranked high for the most chases generated by starters with 19.

It is always intriguing to watch when a pitcher can get a hitter to chase a pitch. The way the pitch can move and fool the hitter to get them to swing is always satisfying to watch. Littell also features a nasty slider and he threw it at 87 mph against the New York Mets on May 4th. Littell is also known for throwing a quality dirty splitter. The way that the pitch dips is extremely effective against hitters. Littell has certainly worked his way up in his career. He was a reliever for six years but then the Rays worked their magic and turned Littell into their most efficient starting pitcher of late.

 

Photo Credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Vanessa Serrao

Vanessa Serrao

Vanessa is a freelance baseball writer for Last Word On Baseball. She is also an author and is pursuing a career in sports journalism. She loves the Toronto Blue Jays, but covers MLB breaking news.

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