Brett Merriman vs. Jake Odorizzi — Career Comparison

Jake Odorizzi built a career as a starting pitcher and Brett Merriman as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Jake Odorizzi posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.99 and WHIP 1.255 compared to 8.39 and 2.114 for Brett Merriman. By the career numbers, Jake Odorizzi had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.