Darin Downs vs. Joe Hovlik — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Darin Downs and Joe Hovlik are fairly close on the surface numbers. Joe Hovlik posted stronger numbers in ERA (3.62 vs 4.76) and home runs allowed (0.16 per nine innings vs 0.69). Darin Downs had the advantage in WHIP (1.401 vs 1.628). By the career numbers, Joe Hovlik had the better of this comparison — though ERA and WHIP alone don't account for era, park factors, or the defenses each pitcher worked behind.