Cardinals News: Lance Lynn overshadowed by his peers

Despite turning in outstanding results in his first 14 starts of the year, St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Lance Lynn is scarcely mentioned – thanks to the work of his rotation mates.

Lynn has pitched to a 2.74 earned run average and 2.78 FIP in 85 1/3 innings of work this season – including his latest outing, a no-decision on Tuesday night against the Chicago White Sox.

In that start, the righty traded blows with Chicago ace Chris Sale, who notched his eighth-straight start of 10 or more strikeouts. Lynn lasted six frames, allowing one run on half-a-dozen hits, striking out six.

While Sale garnered the attention of national media for his milestone (something only Pedro Martinez had managed prior to him), the St. Louis starter certainly held his own.

"“When you’re having what you would call a bad night and that’s the end result, you’ll take it,” Lynn said to MLB.com after the game."

In his last 10 starts, Lynn has allowed more than two earned runs just twice – both times getting roughed up for five runs.

He’s been particularly effective against left-handed batters, limiting them to a .203/.283/.343 line this year.

His numbers at home are better than on the road, evidenced by 2.20 ERA. His strikeout numbers away from Busch Stadium are actually better, with Lynn averaging 10.3 Ks per nine.

As the season has progressed, the 28-year-old has only gotten better, capped by a 1.09 earned run average and .211 opponents’ batting average in the month of June.

Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez have both broken out in a big way this season, with the former already at 10 wins and the latter close behind.

But with St. Louis leading the National League Central by a wide margin despite Tuesday’s loss, don’t overlook the contributions of the other pieces in the Cardinals’ starting rotation – especially those of right-hander Lance Lynn.

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