Quality Starts

What is a Quality Start?

A quality start is a stat that measures whether a starting pitcher delivered a solid outing. To qualify, the pitcher must throw at least six innings and allow three earned runs or fewer. The idea behind the stat tracks how often a starter gives their team a chance to win. That means making sure the pitcher did not getting shelled or exit early.

Unlike ERA or strikeout totals, quality starts don’t factor in how dominant a pitcher was. It doesn’t matter how many hits, walks, or strikeouts were allowed — as long as the starter goes six and keeps earned runs to three or fewer, it counts. For example, a pitcher can throw six innings, allow three earned runs, and finish with a 4.50 ERA. That still qualifies. On the other hand, five shutout innings wouldn’t meet the requirement.

How is a Quality Start Used?

Quality starts are used to track how often a starting pitcher meets a baseline of effectiveness. The stat shows how many times a pitcher goes at least six innings and allows three earned runs or fewer.

It’s commonly used to evaluate consistency and workload across a season. Pitchers who record a high number of quality starts are often reliable options in a rotation. Teams use the stat to identify which starters regularly give them a chance to compete without overexposing the bullpen.

Quality start totals are also used to compare starters across the league. While the stat doesn’t factor in strikeouts or total runs allowed, it still reflects whether a pitcher handled their assignment and kept the game within reach.

How to calculate Quality Starts?

A quality start is not calculated with a formula like ERA or WHIP. Instead, it’s a yes-or-no stat based on two conditions.

First, the starting pitcher must throw at least six full innings. Anything less, even 5.2 innings, does not qualify.

Second, the pitcher must allow three earned runs or fewer. If they give up four or more, regardless of innings pitched, it does not count.

Both conditions must be met. If one is missed, the outing is not labeled a quality start. The stat is straightforward, no percentages or averages, just whether the outing met the minimum standard.

Quality Start Examples

Paul Skenes (March 27th, 2025 – Pittsburgh Pirates vs Miami Marlins)

https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIA/MIA202503270.shtml

5.1 IP

2 ER

With this stat line, Paul Skenes wasn’t credited with a quality start despite allowing fewer than three earned runs. Pitching only 5.1 innings kept him from meeting the six-inning minimum required to qualify.

Greg Maddux (August 4, 1995 – Atlanta Braves vs Montreal Expos)

https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MON/MON199508040.shtml

8.0 IP

3 ER

With this stat line, Greg Maddux was credited with a quality start after going 8 innings and allowing 3 earned runs, meeting both requirements for the stat.

Carlos Zambrano (June 27, 2006 – Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers)

https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN200606270.shtml

8.0 IP

4 ER

With this stat line, Carlos Zambrano wasn’t credited with a quality start, as he allowed more than 3 earned runs despite pitching 8 innings.

Filed under Statistics