Before spring training, Cole Irvin did not project as a major leaguer for the Baltimore Orioles. Now, he’s putting up all-star numbers as a starter. After the Orioles traded for Corbin Burnes, it appeared their rotation would be a five-headed monster. Corbin Burnes, Kyle Bradish, John Means, Grayson Rodriguez, and Dean Kremer were poised to be one of the best rotations in the league. However, after Bradish and Means both suffered elbow injuries, the Orioles turned to Irvin to be their fifth starter. Acquired via a minor trade in January 2023, Irvin had a solid first season with the Orioles, enough to be an okay depth piece in 2024. But the rise of Cole Irvin in 2024 has been All-Star worthy, and he looks primed to remain with the Orioles all season.
From Barely Making the Orioles Roster to All-Star Candidate: The Rise of Cole Irvin
The Statistics Behind Irvin’s Hot Start
The numbers Irvin has put up so far during the 2024 season have been nothing short of spectacular. He has made six starts this season, compiling a 2.86 ERA. He has given up just two homers in the 34 2/3 innings he has pitched. Recently, Irvin has been particularly elite. In his last few outings, he has pitched 20 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings.
Cole Irvin has thrown 20.2 consecutive scoreless innings ? pic.twitter.com/YvNGvXFBAs
— MLB (@MLB) May 4, 2024
This incredible run has been of the utmost importance to the Orioles, as Irvin has been a rock in an always-changing rotation. A key to Irvin’s success has been his attitude. After his most recent scoreless outing, Irvin said “I have a lot of fun out there no matter what.” His mindset has been working, because his pitching has been impeccable. Also, Irvin has made some Orioles history during his run. He is the sixth pitcher in Orioles history to have three consecutive scoreless starts of at least 6 1/3 innings per Jacob Calvin Meyer of the Baltimore Sun.
Cole Irvin becomes the 6th pitcher in Orioles history to have three consecutive scoreless starts of at least 6.1 innings. The others:
Fernando Valenzuela — 1993 (23.2 IP)
Jim Palmer — 1978 (27 IP)
Tom Phoebus — 1967 (27 IP)
Milt Pappas — 1964 (27 IP)
Jack Fisher — 1960 (27 IP)— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) May 4, 2024
Although there is still a long way to go, Cole Irvin’s stats certainly indicate those of an All-Star caliber player. He has been lights out, and if that continues, Irvin may have a chance to represent the Orioles in the Midsummer Classic.
The Advanced Side of Irvin’s Success
Irvin’s success goes deeper than the basic stats. The biggest factor behind Irvin’s success has been the expanded use of his curveball. In 2023, Irvin threw his curveball just 14.3 percent of the time, and it was his fifth most-used pitch. In 2024 however, Irvin throws the curveball nearly 30 percent of the time, and it is his most used pitch. His curveball has dramatically improved as well, having a run value of 2 already. Last year, the curveball was not nearly as effective, ending the season with a -1 run value. It became his main pitch for a reason, as it’s been incredibly productive.
Irvin is using his changeup a lot less, which has been beneficial to him because of how bad the pitch was in 2023. Also, he is inducing a lot more ground balls, increasing his ground ball rate by nearly 10 percent this year. Although looked at as an afterthought by most to begin the year, Irvin has worked at improving his pitching and looks primed to be a key member of the Orioles 2024 pitching staff.
Photo Credit: © Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
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