Should an error by a pitcher count against his ERA?

Question

When a pitcher makes an error and a run scores as a result, it is counted as an "unearned run". I think that since the pitcher made the error, it's his fault and he shouldn't get off the hook. What do you think?

It's the pitcher's ERA. So, if he's a poor fielder it would effect that number and give a truer evaluation of his performances. He can't control the other players so that shouldn't count against him. But, his own errors should. Go to the extreme where the pitcher makes many errors and lots of "unearned" runs score and his ERA is very low. Does that make him a good pitcher and deserving of a low ERA? If the stat is meant to evaluate the pitcher's perfromance it has to include his defense.

I know what the rule says. That's not the question. The question is whether it SHOULD or not. What's your opinion?

Answer 1

Sure, it should...if he's responsible for any runs that score because of it!

Answer 2

As far as I know, runs scored on errors, are un-earned runs. As soon as the pitcher throws the ball, he is now acting as a fielder. An error by a fielder is an error, and says nothing about how he is pitching.

The error still negatively effects the pitcher. He is charged with an error at his position. At the end of the year, there is a golden glove awarded for the pitchers position just like every other fielding position. There is also a cy young award given to the best pitcher (usually the one with the best era but I don't know if there are other deciding factors). But the two awards have nothing to do with each other.

Answer 3

An error by the pitcher does NOT count against his ERA. The exception is a wild pitch.

Here is the appropriate section of the baseball rules, edited to show the most relevant:

10.18 An earned run is a run for which the pitcher is held accountable. In determining earned runs, the inning should be reconstructed without the errors (which include catcher's interference) and passed balls, and the benefit of the doubt should always be given to the pitcher in determining which bases would have been reached by errorless play. For the purpose of determining earned runs, an intentional base on balls, regardless of the circumstances, shall be construed in exactly the same manner as any other base on balls.

(1) A wild pitch is solely the pitcher's fault, and contributes to an earned run just as a base on balls or a balk.

(e) An error by a pitcher is treated exactly the same as an error by any other fielder in computing earned runs.

(f) Whenever a fielding error occurs, the pitcher shall be given the benefit of the doubt in determining to which bases any runners would have advanced had the fielding of the defensive team been errorless.

Answer 4

I understood that if the run scored on the pitcher's error, then it is counted as an earned run. For example, if a runner scores on a wild pitch (and the runner got on base via hit or walk and not a fielder's error) then that run is charged to the pitcher as earned.

Answer 5

I agree with the first answer. Pitchers have fielding averages to reflect their fielding errors. Like all other positions, the best fielder among them is awarded the Golden Glove (for pitchers).

Answer 6

yup, I agree.... they should learn to pitch better, lol. But seriously, it's not fair to the batters. They shoudl definentally make an error in a pitch count against the pitcher's ERA.

Answer 7

E is for "earned". Since the player/team scored a run after an error occurred that player/team did not "earn" that run.

Answer 8

ERA is supposed to mention how well he's pitching, not how well he's fielding.

Answer 9

No!