Through the first few weeks of the 2022 campaign, Dillon Peters has been a pleasant surprise. The former tenth-round pick has been nearly unhittable and taken on a new role. After starting his career in the rotation, Peters has been used as a multi-inning reliever. The move has made him a crucial part of the Pirates’ pitching staff.
In 19.2 innings of work this season, he has posted a 1.83 ERA. The Indianapolis native has only allowed five hits and struck out 15 batters. As the Pirates have gotten off to a 13-18 start, Peters has been a bright spot. He has continued to build on his 2021 success while rewriting the record book.
The Pirates lefthander did not allow a hit to any of the first 24 batters he faced. That was a franchise record dating back to 1974. Peters did not allow his first earned run of the season until May 8th and had perhaps his best appearance this year on Wednesday afternoon. Facing a potent Dodgers lineup, Peters held LA to two hits and did not walk a batter. He was hard to barrel up and kept the Dodgers off-balance after walking three batters without recording an out in his previous appearance.
What to expect from Peters for the rest of 2022
Dillon Peters, unfair curveball with 59 inches of vertical drop. pic.twitter.com/TxQQaCvm28
— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) April 13, 2022
As the season continues, Peters will be a pitcher to watch. He has held opponents to a .082 batting average and not allowed a home run. After posting a 3.71 ERA in his first season with Pittsburgh last year, he has been even better. For the Pirates, that has been a welcoming sign, as their pitching has been inconsistent. Due to his remarkable start, he could be an intriguing trade piece at the trade deadline.
Regardless of how the season progresses, Peters has arguably been the Pirates’ best pitcher. He has limited opponents to one hit or less in seven of his ten appearances this season and appeared more confident on the mound. The 29-year-old has recently been used as an opener and held opponents scoreless in 8.1 innings of work. That has allowed the Pirates to get the best out of their staff in the early going.
Although there is plenty of baseball to be played, it has been hard to ignore Peters’ start. He has quickly become a fan favorite and one of the Pirates’ most valuable arms. If his success continues, he will no longer be flying under the radar.
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