Modern era pitchers who fared better as starters than relievers

[YourFriendGannon]

Or fared worse in relief than in a starting role, if you prefer.

The larger the sample sizes, the better. Any example pitcher with 30+ career starts plus 90+ career innings out of the bullpen would be great.

So the one I know of is Justin Duchscherer who had a 3.01 ERA in 32 career starts and a 3.22 ERA in 260 relief innings. Practically all of it with Oakland so whatever the ballpark adjusted ERAs come out to shouldn’t make much difference.

 

[Fencer]

A lot of guys started their careers as relievers before locking down starting roles in their prime. (The first example that came to mind was Pedro Martinez.) I presume this isn't the kind of thing you had in mind?

What counts as the modern era anyway?

 

[YourFriendGannon]

A lot of guys started their careers as relievers before locking down starting roles in their prime. (The first example that came to mind was Pedro Martinez.) I presume this isn't the kind of thing you had in mind?

What counts as the modern era anyway?

I didn’t realize Pedro had a 100 inning season in the bullpen early on. Yeah, he fits what I’m asking although less heralded starters interest me more for the purposes of this.

The main distinction with the “modern era” thing is to not bring up pitchers like Cy Young who sometimes threw in relief during his prime. I’m mainly speaking of times when most relievers are used in short spells. [Also, the innovations of the “opener” and “bulk reliever” 5-ish years ago would kind of throw a wrench into what I’m asking. But I am asking with those whose careers are over in mind anyway.]

 

[navamind]

Curt Schilling had a 3.45 ERA as a starter versus a 3.62 ERA as a reliever.

 

[Cedrique]

Jon Matlack sneaks in with 102 IP in relief and a 3.87 ERA vs a 3.15 ERA in 318 starts

 

[Cedrique]

Bob Forsch 422 starts 3.72 ERA as a starter, 130 IP, 4.75 ERA as a reliever


Ken Forsch had a better ERA as a reliever so I guess it isn't hereditary

 

[YourFriendGannon]

John Smiley

 

[catman]

Johan Santana.