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Things could be about to get tough for these ace pitchers

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 28: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros reacts in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 28, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City.MLB players across the league are wearing special uniforms to commemorate Memorial Day. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 28: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros reacts in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 28, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City.MLB players across the league are wearing special uniforms to commemorate Memorial Day. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 15: Gio Gonzalez #47 of the Washington Nationals reacts after giving up a walk in the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Nationals Park on May 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 15: Gio Gonzalez #47 of the Washington Nationals reacts after giving up a walk in the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Nationals Park on May 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

2. Gio Gonzalez

Gonzales is a big reason why the Nationals find themselves sitting atop the NL East at the moment. At 32 years of age, he isn’t likely to experience a lot of age related regression this season. He still isn’t going to keep up his Cy Young type performance.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Gonzalez has been one of the best pitchers in MLB this season. He leads the Nats’ rotation with a record of 6-2 and a sparkling ERA of just 2.10. The crafty lefty has baffled hitters the season with his mix of offspeed stuff.

It’s worth noting that his strikeout ratio is almost identical to the aforementioned Cole Hamels. His ERA is a full run and a half below the Texas southpaw’s. That’s why it’s safe to assume that Gonzalez has experienced more than his share of luck during his 2018 campaign.

You shouldn’t expect Gonzalez to suddenly become a bad pitcher. He’s banked enough quality innings that he should still finish the season with excellent numbers. Finishing up with an ERA of around 3.00 is a reasonable projection. That would still mean Gonzalez is a very valuable starter, but it will take him out of the Cy Young conversation. Washington can’t bank on him to keep this level of performance up as the summer arrives.

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