Talented young pitchers are in abundance this season, and staff writer Tim Hubbard looks at three who could play pivotal roles for contending teams real or fantasy.
Chris Archer
SP | Tampa Bay
After the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs thought of him as expendable, the Rays are reaping the spoils of the talented Mr. Archer. The 24-year-old right-hander started the season in the minors, but has been a major cog for one of baseball's hottest team, and has a 6-4 record with a 2.65 earned-run average and a 1.08 WHIP. Hitters are managing only a .201 batting average against Archer, who had given up only one run in his previous four starts before losing to San Francisco on Friday.
Tony Cingrani
SP | Cincinnati
The Dodgers know first hand about Cingrani's talent, as they were held scoreless and struck out 11 times in seven innings by the left-hander last Sunday. Cingrani has spent much of the season shuttling between Cincinnati and Louisville, the team's triple-A affiliate, but the 24-year-old is doing his best to stick with the big club, posting a 4-1 record with a 2.90 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 77 2/3 innings.
Randall Delgado
SP | Arizona
