When the Phillies traded Jake Diekman to the Rangers are part two of the Cole Hamels deal, Diekman did not seem to figure it out. A fast thrower, Diekman did not seem to really gain the control needed to be an effective Major League reliever. But after the trade Diekman got sharp, and his skill was put on display on the big stage as Diekman entered game one of the ALDS in a key situation.
Looking at Diekman's stats in 2015, the earned run average of 4.01 does not really grab anyone's attention. But a closer look at the stats shows that Diekman greatly improved after heading south to Arlington.
When Diekman walked off the mound for the last time for the Phillies, he had an earned run average of 5.15, a WHIP of 1.75, and 24 walks in 36 2/3 innings.
From the first time Diekman took the mound for the Rangers through season's end, Diekman had an earned run average of 2.05, a WHIP of 0.92, and just seven walks in 21 1/3 innings.
So, the Rangers went to Diekman in game one of the ALDS in a big spot: the seventh inning. Against one of the toughest lineups, Diekman was absolutely dominant. Diekman breezed through six Blue Jays hitters, including the veteran Russell Martin, former Phillie Ben Revere, and slugger Jose Bautista over two scoreless, hitless, walkless innings.
It is hard to believe that this is the same Jake Diekman who the Phillies had to option to AAA Lehigh Valley in June, who at the time had a 6.75 earned run average. It appears that Diekman is coming into his own.
Diekman continues to raise money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation with the Rangers.
