Justin Atchley vs. Duke Shirey — Career Comparison

Duke Shirey built a career as a starting pitcher and Justin Atchley as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Justin Atchley posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 6.1 and WHIP 1.839 compared to 6.75 and 1.750 for Duke Shirey. By the career numbers, Justin Atchley had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.