Robbie Erlin vs. Burch Smith — Career Comparison

Robbie Erlin built a career as a starting pitcher and Burch Smith as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Robbie Erlin posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.87 and WHIP 1.297 compared to 5.79 and 1.532 for Burch Smith. By the career numbers, Robbie Erlin had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.