Streaking and Slumping Pitchers

Streaking

Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners (6-5, 3.01 ERA)

After struggling at the start of the year, the Mariners' ace is trying to head into the break on a high note. Hernandez is undefeated in his last five trips to the bump, posting a 3-0 record and giving up just seven runs over 42.2 innings of work. His most recent start lasted seven innings, in which he allowed two runs on six hits for a no decision in a 6-4 loss to the Kansas City Royals.

Gavin Floyd, Chicago White Sox (4-7, 4.43 ERA)

Floyd is another arm who got off to a slow start but has come around in his recent appearances. The ChiSox’s righty is 2-0 in his last four stars and has allowed only six earned runs over his last six trips to the mound. Floyd has won back-to-back starts for Chicago, recently giving up only one run on seven hits for a 9-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels.


Slumping

Scott Kazmir, Los Angeles Angels (7-8, 5.98 ERA)

The Halos southpaw has dropped three starts in a row, serving up a total of 17 earned runs while lasting only 14.1 innings during that span. He has a strikeout-to-walk count of 9-to-9 over those three starts, most recently walking five batters and giving up seven runs – including three home runs – in a 9-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox Monday. Kazmir is blaming his lackluster slider for those poor showings.


Returning

Matt Harrison. Texas Rangers (1-1, 4.47 ERA)

Harrison gets a crack at the Rangers’ fifth starter spot this weekend. He was brought up from Triple-A Oklahoma City and has made six big-league starts this season. In his last minor league start, the left-hander gave up three earned runs on nine hits in just under five innings of work Monday. His most recent MLB appearance was two innings of relief in which Harrison gave up one hit and walked a batter on June 27.