RADIO
Since signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates prior to the 2013 season, starting pitcher Francisco Liriano has strung together three straight seasons of posting a 3.38 ERA or better. The left-hander has done so by featuring a dominant slider and improving his command. The slider, which in 2015 ranked fourth in the majors according to Fangraphs.com valuations, helps Liriano maintain a K/9 over 9 and a 50% ground ball rate. The southpaw’s 3.38 BB/9 rate from 2015 was his best since 2010.
Despite his recent success, Liriano is no lock to maintain a sparkling ERA. In 2014, when he posted a 3.38 ERA, the Pirates starter issued an astronomical 4.49 BB/9. He maintained an unimpressive 4.72 ERA and 1.49 WHIP during the first half of 2014 before being bailed out by a 1.16 ERA over 31 September innings. The season could have been a nightmare, but Liriano found a way to persevere.
Dealing with an array of nagging injuries throughout his career, Liriano has exceeded 165 IP only twice in nine seasons and has never surpassed the 200 IP mark. Given that track record, the veteran’s potential is limited. Regardless, the 32-year old should continue to produce for fantasy owners in 2016.
