1.Washington Nationals
The Nationals have been the most complete pitching staff in the NL this season, owning the top team ERA (3.03) and bullpen ERA (2.41). Out of the five pitchers currently in the Nationals bullpen, Doug Fister owns highest ERA at 3.08. Not to mention, Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann anchor the rest of the rotation.
2.St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are not very far behind the Nationals when it comes to consistent pitching, holding a team ERA of 3.19. They lead the Nationals in shutouts (14), complete games (3) and batting average against (.229). However, what hurts them is the NL eighth-worst bullpen ERA of 3.57.
3.San Francisco Giants
The Giants, like the teams ahead of them on this list, are expected to have good pitching every season. Backed by a resurgent Tim Hudson who has a 1.81 ERA in 13 starts, the Giants have combined for the third-highest team ERA in the NL at 3.29. Apart from the stellar rotation, the Giants bullpen ranks third in ERA as well.
4.Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers were not hoping to have the fourth-best pitching staff at this point in the season, yet they own the fifth-lowest team ERA in the NL. Staff ace Clayton Kershaw missed the first month of the season and has managed a 2.93 ERA since coming back. The Dodgers are here based on the fact that they boast Josh Beckett, Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu as well.
5.Atlanta Braves
The Braves have a higher team ERA (3.32) than the Dodgers, but have a higher batting average against number (.250). Julio Teheran, who has a 2.31 ERA, is pacing a rotation that features just three starters with 10 or more starts. The Braves will need help from the rest of the rotation, mainly the bottom part, to keep the staff consistent.
6.Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have a very strong rotation that has put them in seventh in team ERA among NL pitching staffs. Jeff Samardzija and the surprising Jake Arrieta have emerged as quality options for a Cubs team. So much so that each is currently on the trading block.
7.San Diego Padres
Unlike many teams, the Padres’ rotation is not what put them in this spot on this list. The Padres’ starting rotation has an ERA of 4.07, which ranks 12th in the NL. The bullpen, however, sits at a 2.57 ERA, putting it second in the league behind the Nationals. When the Padres’ starters struggle, the bullpen has stepped up, but that might not sustain success.
8.Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have the same team ERA (2.59) as a Milwaukee Brewers squad, but is holding opposing batters to a .237 batting average and has recorded seven shutouts. Johnny Cueto has put up Cy Young-like numbers this season, with a 1.85 ERA and 109 strikeouts.
9.Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers’ rotation started off extremely strong, but has cooled off since. Young Wily Peralta and the ageless Kyle Lohse have ERA’s of 3.00 or below and look to be consistent. The Brewers also have the seventh-ranked bullpen, which includes closer Francisco Rodriguez, who has 21 saves.
10.New York Mets
The Mets have been coping with the absence of Matt Harvey for some time now, but Jon Niese is doing his best impression. Niese has 10 quality starts and holds a 2.54 ERA this season and is making up for weak seasons from Bartolo Colon and Zack Wheeler.
11.Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates had a strong pitching season last year, but this season is not what they hoped for. Edinson Volquez and Francisco Liriano are not living up to expectations at the moment, with ERA’s above 3.80. Liriano, in fact, has three quality starts in 14 appearances, which would cut it if the Pirates want to make the playoffs.
12.Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies rotation would be one of the best in baseball if it was 2009 or so, but Cliff Lee is aging and offseason acquisition A.J. Burnett is not what the team signed him to be. This has contributed to a 4.01 starter ERA.
13.Miami Marlins
The Marlins, like the Mets, are suffering from the loss of their true ace. Jose Fernandez is lost for the season with Tommy John surgery and Henderson Alvarez is the only starting pitcher with a sub-3.00 ERA.
14.Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks’ rotation severely lacks depth, and Bronson Arroyo hasn’t anchored the staff like he was signed to do. Arroyo has a 4.08 ERA and that number is second among starters with more than 10 starts. To add insult to injury, the Diamondbacks have the worst bullpen ERA in the NL.
15.Colorado Rockies
The Rockies lack a true ace, and their best pitcher so far on the season, Jordan Lyles is on the 15-day DL. Jorge De La Rosa has been underwhelming, pitching to a 4.12 ERA in 14 starts. The bullpen hasn’t helped ease the pain either, as they rank 14th in the NL with a 4.78 ERA.