Streaking

A.J. Burnett, Pittsburgh Pirates (6-2, 3.61 ERA)

Since allowing 12 runs in 2 2/3 innings back on May 2, Burnett has allowed more than two runs just once in seven starts – all Pittsburgh victories. He took a no-no into the sixth inning in his last outing and ended up allowing two runs on five hits over 7 1/3 innings while striking out six and walking two. That win was the fourth consecutive start that he hasn’t served up a homer.

Ubadlo Jimenez, Cleveland Indians (6-4, 4.91 ERA)

It’s been a tough go for Jimenez for much of this season, but he could finally be coming around. He has allowed just two runs over his last two starts, striking out 11 and walking just one. That’s a huge improvement considering he has 44 strikeouts compared to 43 walks this season. He said his last outing, a seven-inning performance in a 4-1 win over St. Louis, was his best in an Indians jersey.

Slumping

Ervin Santana, Los Angeles Angels (3-7, 5.74 ERA)

Santana just can’t keep the ball in the ballpark these days. He has allowed six homers in his last four games and has yielded seven earned runs in each of his last two trips to the bump. He was smacked around for 5 2/3 innings last weekend in Colorado but the Angels bailed him out with a 10-8 victory. With Jered Weaver set to rejoin the rotation next week, Santana needs a good outing to solidify his spot.

Philip Humber, Chicago White Sox

Two months after chucking a perfect game, Humber is in danger of being demoted to the bullpen. He has just one win in nine starts since hitting the record books, owning a fat 7.50 ERA. Humber has allowed 10 runs and five dingers over his last two outings, spanning 10 1/3 innings.