Brian Matusz vs. Tim Wakefield — Career Comparison

Tim Wakefield built a career as a starting pitcher and Brian Matusz as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Brian Matusz led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 109 vs 92), strikeout rate (K%+ 96 vs 87), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 88 vs 84). Tim Wakefield held the edge in run prevention (ERA+ 90 vs 81). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Brian Matusz.