Baltimore Orioles: 2014 Season Grades – Relief Pitchers

Aug 5, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher T.J. McFarland (66) celebrates with catcher Caleb Joseph (36) after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 9-3 at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

In the same category of mid-innings relief is T.J. McFarland, coming from the left side. Serving in the similar role of bridging from starters to relievers, McFarland had a bit more “bend” than Brach, but actually a little less “break.”  (Yes, less break than Brach.)

McFarland’s ERA of 2.76 was better, but he allowed more hits than innings pitched and a not so great WHIP of 1.415. He threw 58.2 innings with 72 base hits.

Along the way, he also made one spot start on July 1^st against Texas, going five innings and giving up two runs on seven hits for the win.

McFarland also threw an additional 25 innings in the minor leagues this year.

Whether the Rule 5 Draftee ever makes it as a rotation starter in the majors is yet to be determined. I wouldn’t bet on it. But with some more continued improvement, there is a definite role for him as a long-innings reliever.

We’ll give him a solid “B” for his work in 2014.