Fansided

5 best MLB performances from first half of the season

By Josh Criswell

Jun 14, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Drew Storen (22) douse chocolate syrup on pitcher Max Scherzer (31) after Scherzer pitched a complete game shutout at Miller Park. The Nationals won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Drew Storen (22) douse chocolate syrup on pitcher Max Scherzer (31) after Scherzer pitched a complete game shutout at Miller Park. The Nationals won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Zack Greinke

Zack Greinke will take the mound to start the All-Star Game on Tuesday, and rightfully so. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ right-handed ace has been nothing short of astonishing during the season’s first half.

Greinke’s 1.39 earned run average is the best in baseball and it is not even close. His ERA is 0.65 runs better than the next closest player in the majors, Sonny Gray of the Oakland Athletics. Even more impressive, if the season were to end today, he would have the 24th best single-season ERA total of all-time; second only to Bob Gibson’s 1.12 ERA in the 1968 season as tops in the Live-Ball Era (since 1920).

In addition to these historic numbers, Greinke also leads all pitchers in wins above replacement, with his 5.5 WAR. It is very possible that the Dodgers would not be leading the NL West if not for his masterful performance this season, and with only a 4.5 game lead over the second-place San Fransisco Giants, his 8-2 record is the difference maker that has given them a slim lead in the division.

If Greinke continues at this record-setting pace, and Paul Goldschmidt and Bryce Harper experience slumps between now and October, do not be shocked if he is named the 2015 National League MVP.

Next: Mike Trout

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