Scouting Report Jair Jurrjens

The Mets face 24-year old Jair Jurrjens this afternoon. Last year the righty faced the Mets 5 times, and went 4-0 with a 1.60 ERA. He missed some time this spring training with shoulder weakness, and in his first start he only lasted 3 2/3 innings and was throwing 88-89 mph. He regained his velocity last start vs Colorado, and went 8 innings, allowing 3 runs (2 solo HR in the 7th and 8th innings).

Jair Jurrjens was one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball last year, and finished with a 2.60 ERA, as a result of giving up three runs or less in 26 of his 34 starts (and never more than five runs). He has a smooth, easily repeatable delivery, with a 3/4 arm slot. He knows how to pitch, and adds/subtracts on his fastball depending on the situation, and it ranges from 88-94 mph. He took a big step forward last year by adding a slider with good bite to his excellent change-up. He is a good athlete, but is not a pitcher that will contend for a ERA title again in my opinion (had an unrepeatable/uncontrollable .268 BAPIP last year).I would project him for a 3.8-3.9 ERA this year.

For the scouting report on the pitcher opposing Jarrjens, click here: Jon Niese. I am interested to see if Niese tries to feature his curveball more in this start after barely throwing it in Colorado last start.