Numbers Don’t Lie: Brandon McCarthy Looking Good

Through his first four starts as a member of the Oakland Athletics, Brandon McCarthy has gone 1-1 with a 2.10 ERA. He’s logged 30 innings this season (5th in AL), which is an encouraging sight to see from a guy like McCarthy, who has battled shoulder problems in the past.

He did not pitch in the big leagues last year, and his last big league season was in 2009 when he was still a member of the Texas Rangers. He went 7-4 with a 4.62 ERA that year.

Injuries have limited McCarthy in the past, but after an encouraging spring training, the A’s decided to have him join a young, talented rotation.

He’s certainly fitting in nicely, as the 27 year-old has remained healthy and effective in the rotation. Entering Friday, McCarthy boasts an exceptional 20:3 K:BB ratio through 30 innings of work. He’s one of reasons why the Athletics lead the majors in ERA (2.52).

It’s still very early in the season, but that $1 million investment the A’s made this winter is certainly paying off.