Janson Junk allowed four hits and two runs – one earned – with one walk and two strikeouts over six innings to earn the win against the Pirates on Wednesday.
Junk did a great job of pitching to contact after his offense spotted him a healthy lead. The Marlins jumped all over Pirates’ starter Carmen Mlodzinski and Junk responded with a nearly 70% strike rate. He didn’t miss many bats – only two total whiffs – but kept his four-seamers high and breaking balls low to get through six innings at just 81 pitches. At his best, he can command a deep arsenal and be mildly effective. He’ll take a 4.41 ERA, 64 strikeouts, and 24 walks through 87 2/3 innings into a two-start week against the Phillies and Nationals.