MLB: Power Ranking All 30 Major League Starting Rotations
The defending World Champions understandably have one of the most star-studded starting rotations in the game, but after postseason hero Madison Bumgarner, there are plenty of questions.
Three-time All-Star and perennial Cy Young candidate Matt Cain didn’t pitch after July 9 last season following elbow surgery. He’s allowed seven earned runs and a .306 batting average in 11.2 innings this spring.
Tim Hudson made the All-Star team last season, but posted a 8.72 ERA in five September starts before a so-so postseason and ankle surgery in the off-season. This is expected to be the final season for the 39-year old right-hander.
Jake Peavy has had a great 13-year career as a top of the rotation starter, but has suffered though a terrible spring (1-4, 9.64 ERA, .383 opponent’s batting average in 18.2 innings). Tim Lincecum has two Cy Young Awards on his mantle, but found himself working out of the bullpen seven times last year. He’ll likely pitch fifth to begin the 2015 season.
Ryan Vogelsong (8-13, 4.00 ERA, 32 GS in 2014) will be ready to step into the rotation should any of the five regulars falter or need a stint on the DL, as is Yusmeiro Petit, who started 12 games last season.
If the group can make it through the season relatively healthy, the Giants will once again be a threat to win it all, but if not there could be trouble.
Next: 8. Cleveland Indians