Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty wrapped up the first half of the season with a 4.65 ERA, a figure that has been notably influenced by a couple of challenging outings in June. Despite surrendering 19 home runs this season, Flaherty has showcased impressive strikeout and whiff percentages, ranking in the 89th and 78th percentiles among MLB pitchers.
Recent performances indicate a positive trend for Flaherty, who has recorded a 4.07 ERA in his last four starts, maintaining a pattern of pitching consistently for more than five innings. The Tigers’ starting rotation has emerged as one of the strongest aspects of the team, boasting the fifth-best fWAR (8.6) and the sixth-best ERA (3.42) in Major League Baseball as they head into the All-Star break.
Key contributors to the Tigers’ pitching success include Tarik Skubal, who is again having a season worthy of Cy Young consideration, alongside an All-Star season from former No. 1 pick Casey Mize and strong performances from Reese Olson. Jack Flaherty, while not living up to preseason expectations, is gradually returning to form after a few recent solid starts.
In the Tigers’ recent game against the Seattle Mariners, Flaherty’s performance was not the reason for their 8-4 loss, as he managed to limit the damage over five plus innings pitched, marking his second consecutive outing allowing two runs or fewer. His positive response to adversity in these outings has drawn commendation from manager A.J. Hinch, who noted Flaherty’s resilience during tough times.
Statcast reveals that while batters struggle to make contact against Flaherty, those who do tend to hit the ball hard, contributing to his home run tally. Removing his rough June outings shows a significant improvement in his ERA, which highlights his potential moving forward. With his aim for a “mental reset” during the All-Star break, there is optimism that Flaherty’s performance will translate into a more successful second half, as he prepares to help the Tigers push for a postseason run later in the year.