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Washington Nationals: Jeremy Hellickson has been a steal

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 03: Jeremy Hellickson #58 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Nationals Park on May 3, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 03: Jeremy Hellickson #58 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Nationals Park on May 3, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Despite being signed late in spring training by the Washington Nationals, Jeremy Hellickson is proving to be a real steal so far this season.

At the outset of spring training, the Washington Nationals‘ fifth starter job was one of the key weaknesses on the team. And after the A.J. Cole experiment failed spectacularly, Jeremy Hellickson has really proven to be great value in that role.

Through four starts with the big league club so far, he’s yet to record a decision. However, he does have a 3.00 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 21 innings.

There’s also reason to believe that Hellickson can sustain this success too. His FIP sits at a pretty 3.76, which isn’t too much higher than his ERA. And there’s one key reason for this.

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So far Davey Martinez has been reluctant to let him face hitters a third time. This has been an Achilles’ heel for him so far in his career.

Over his nine big league seasons, he has an OPS of .677 when batters see him for the first time, and a .726 figure the second time. But that then jumps all the way up to .840 when hitters see him for the third time in a game.

But as we saw in his last start against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Martinez has had a quick hook during the third time through the order. This has then allowed him to be on track for career-best numbers in BB/9 (1.7), HR/9 (0.9) and WHIP (1.048).

Although his stats haven’t been world-beating by any stretch, they don’t need to be when he’s the fifth starter. He just needs to be able to give his team a chance to win. Which is exactly what he’s done thus far.

In the four games he’s pitched, he’s not allowed more than 3 runs. And with an offense that’s finding it’s groove, they should win more than they lose from those types of outings.

Earning just $2 million on a one-year deal, he’s proven to be a real bargain so far this season. The Nationals will be hoping his run continues, as he’s performing at a level where most teams would happily have him as a third or fourth starter.

Next: Nats return to the west coast

He’ll square off against Clayton Richard on Tuesday night, as he looks to continue his nice start with the Nats.

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