Chicago Cubs’ ace Jon Lester did not have a good first half. In 19 starts prior to the All-Star break, Lester posted a 4.25 ERA with 110 strikeouts in 108 innings pitched.
One reason for Lester’s first-half struggles was the amount of walks given up. In 108 innings, Lester walked 37 batters, driving his WHIP up to 1.34. Furthermore, Lester’s increased amount of walks resulted in a 2.97 strikeout-to-walk ratio in the first half. That number was a far cry from the 3.79 strikeout-to-walk ratio Lester posted in 2016.
In addition to walking more batters, Lester just flat-out failed to get anyone out.