Betances becomes 5th reliever ever to record 4 straight 100-K seasons
Say what you will about Dellin Betances, but there's no denying the man is a strikeout machine.
The New York Yankees All-Star reliever recorded his 100th strikeout of the season Wednesday night and etched his name onto an exclusive list in the process. By surpassing the century mark yet again, Betances became only the fourth relief pitcher in history to record five consecutive seasons with 100 or more strikeouts.
| Reliever | Team(s) | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Dick Radatz | Red Sox | 1962-65 |
| Rob Dibble | Reds | 1989-92 |
| Duane Ward | Blue Jays | 1989-92 |
| Aroldis Chapman | Reds | 2012-15 |
| Dellin Betances | Yankees | 2014-17 |
During his current four-year run, Betances has twice struck out over 130 batters in a single season; his 135 strikeouts in 2014 still ranks 17th all time among relievers. Over the last four years, Betances has averaged 123 strikeouts per season, and 14.5 per nine innings pitched.
This season's total of 100 is lower than Betances' other recent tallies, but his production has still remained solid in a loaded Yankees bullpen. Although he's shuffled between the eighth and ninth innings as needed due to Aroldis Chapman's up-and-down season, the 29-year-old New York native still earned his fourth straight All-Star appearance and has added a 2.91 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 10 saves to his excellent strikeout total.
Betances has struck out a total of 504 batters during his six-year major-league career, for a career average of 14.4 per nine.