Jon Lester vs. B. J. Ryan — Career Comparison

Jon Lester built a career as a starting pitcher and B. J. Ryan as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. B. J. Ryan led in home run suppression (HR9+ 200 vs 96), strikeout rate (K%+ 134 vs 96), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 114 vs 96). Jon Lester held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 96 vs 74). Role difference aside, B. J. Ryan holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.