10 biggest MLB pitching disappointments of 2015

No. 9 Jeremy Guthrie

In 2014, Jeremy Guthrie got off to a solid start to his first MLB postseason. He recorded a 2.70 ERA through two games, picking up a win while giving up just seven hits and two walks in nine innings.

During his final start of the postseason, however, he gave up three earned runs in 3.1 innings in Game 7 of the World Series. The Kansas City Royals lost the game, and although the team has recovered, Guthrie has not.

The Royals were hoping to get one more year of consistent production out of the 36-year old starting pitcher, but that simply has not happened. He ranks at the bottom of the MLB in virtually every category among qualified starting pitchers. Guthrie has the second-worst ERA and WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched), and ranks among the bottom five in strikeouts per nine innings and strikeout to walk ratio.

As a result, manager Ned Yost recently made the decision to move Guthrie into a long reliever role, something that Kansas City has little use for due to their starting rotation’s ability to pitch deep into games.

"“Let’s be honest, they don’t need long guys here, which is good,” Guthrie told The Kansas City Star. “Pitchers have been throwing good, going deep. Kris Medlen and Chris Young have thrown five times in two months.”"

To his credit, Guthrie has shown tremendous class in wake of his move to the bullpen. Unfortunately, there is a good chance it will not be enough to convince the Royals to pick up his team option for 2016.

In his latest relief appearance, Guthrie gave up five earned runs in just 3.1 innings, including two home run bombs.

Next: No. 8 Shane Greene