Deserved run average, or DRA for short, is a metric formulated by Baseball Prospectus to evaluate a pitcher’s ability. It is an alternative to earned run average, or ERA. ERA has many flaws that can make it extremely unreliable. It does not take into account things such as the defense behind the pitcher, who is catching the pitcher, the pitcher’s ability to strikeout batters, prevent walks, and home runs, the park factors the pitcher is tossing in, the quality of contact they give up, and the batter or line-up they are facing. DRA takes into account these factors, plus many more such as base running activity, run differential, wild pitches or passed balls, the runners on base, and the role the pitcher is in.
Evaluating Five Pittsburgh Pirates Pitchers Using Deserved Run Average
