Let’s look at statistics that cover the most important aspects of defense by pitchers. Three aspects follow:
- Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). It is an aggregate of many aspects. Some of them are good plays/misplays, stolen bases, and bunts.
- Controlling the Running Game. It includes preventing extra bases on hits and stolen bases.
- Fielding. It includes fielding the ball-in-play and the range of the pitcher.
Defensive Runs Saved.
One broad statistic that measures each pitcher’s defense is Defensive Runs Saved (DRS).