Behind the numbers of Reynaldo López’s historic season with the Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo López continues to look like the ultimate steal of a signing. The 30-year-old right-hander surprised more than one by earn a spot in the rotation in spring training. He had been a starter earlier in his career, but was relegated to the bullpen after struggling on the mound at the big league level.

However, López rose to the occasion and had a historic start to the season. Wednesday, he made his 13th start pitching five scoreless innings against the Detroit Tigers. This outing lowered his season ERA to 1.57.

You don’t have to be a stats geek to know that’s an incredibly good ERA. However, it’s more historic than you think. López is tied for the second-lowest ERA by a Braves starter out of 13 starts all-time.

His 1.57 ERA is tied with Tom Glavine’s in 2002 and is behind only Greg Maddux’s 1.41 ERA to start the 1994 season according to Bally Sports.

López has his name alongside arguably the two greatest starters in Braves history – not bad company.

Both Maddux and Glavine earned spots in the All-Star Game during their respective seasons. If precedent is any indicator, López quickly earns what would be his first career selection for the Midsummer Classic in Arlington, Texas, next month.

However, it remains to be seen whether López’s season goes the way of Maddux’s of 1994 or Glavine’s of 2002. What do I mean by that? Well, Maddux finished with a 1.56 ERA over 25 starts and 202 innings pitched during the shortened 1994 season. He brought home the Cy Young Award and finished fifth in National League MVP voting.

Meanwhile, Glavine lowered his ERA to 1.53 in 15 starts, then struggled down the stretch. He finished with a solid 2.96 ERA, but had a 4.24 ERA in his final 21 starts.

Now, López could obviously end up somewhere in the middle. The fact is that we have no idea if he will continue to lose his mind or if he will return to earth.

Regardless, López has made history so far, and no one can take that away from him.

Other notes for López’s season

López’s ERA is the lowest in all of MLB. The next closest is Philadelphia Phillies starter Ranger Suarez with a 1.75 ERA.

According to Gwinnett Stripers broadcast assistant Jack Johnson, López has lowered his home ERA to 1.11 in seven starts and 40 2/3 innings pitched. If he qualified, it would be the second-to-last spot in MLB.

Chicago White Sox pitcher Erick Fedde’s 0.95 home ERA leads the major leagues. However, in turn, López owns the best home ERA in the National League.

For those wondering what he looks like on the road, he still looks brilliant with a 2.14 ERA in six starts. That’s good for sixth best in MLB and second best in the National League.