Five Red-Hot Underrated Pitchers Not Named Zack Greinke

A major story in Major League Baseball as of this moment is the stellar play of Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke. His 6-0 record and sensational 0.40 ERA place him first among starters with a minimum of four starts.

His hot start has come as a shock to many people, who had written him off as a draft bust (he was a first rounder in 2002).

With a career record of 40-45, Greinke's career has been far from dominant, but it cannot be termed a bust either.

Either way, the Royals and their fans are happy to have him take the hill once every five days.

But Greinke is not the only underrated starter that is currently tearing up the big leagues.

Here is a list of the top five guys who are making their names at the expense of opposing batters thus far in 2009.

5. Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati Reds

Sure, his 4.91 ERA is less than exemplary, but his 4-1 record is noteworthy for sure.

The master of the high (and straight) leg kick's name is not exactly new to baseball fans, as he has posted a minimum of nine wins for the past five seasons. However, he has never been seen as dominant, though he certainly has all the tools to achieve it.

While not considered a power pitcher, Arroyo's off-speed stuff can be devastating. His slider has great movement, and his curveball is unhittable at times.

He is also almost impossible to steal bases off of, as a result of that ridiculous (but effective) leg kick.

4. Jason Marquis, Colorado Rockies

Like Arroyo, Marquis does not have a stellar ERA (3.31), but bear in mind, he pitches in Colorado. The fact that his ERA is below 40.00 is remarkable.

His 4-1 record is nothing to scoff at, while his 35.1 innings pitched leads the entire Rockies staff.

He is the No.3 starter on the staff but is bar none their best hurler at the moment.

Marquis has not won fewer than 11 games since 2004, the same season in which he posted his highest win total (15 with St. Louis).

When he pitches, it gives the Colorado faithful something exciting to watch out in the Mile High City.

3. Armando Galarraga, Detroit Tigers

Currently 3-1 with a 3.07 ERA, Galarraga is arguably the best pitcher on a Tigers staff that boasts Nate Robertson, heralded rookie Rick Porcello, and 2006 Rookie of the Year Justin Verlander.

This is not Galarraga's first taste of dominance, however, as he finished the 2008 season with a 13-7 record, a 3.73 ERA, and 126 strikeouts in 178.2 innings. He placed fifth in AL rookie of the year balloting.

With Detroit's starters not living up to expectations, the young Venezuelan has had to step up and become the squad's current ace, and he has the talent to continue that for years to come.

2. Scott Richmond, Toronto Blue Jays

Richmond, in his second season of MLB play but still termed a rookie, is currently 4-0 in five starts and boasts a 2.67 ERA.

His ERA is actually a full point lower than Jays ace Roy Halladay (3.68), while his 26 strikeouts rank him second on the team (Halladay has 38).

Chosen to represent Canada in the World Baseball Classic but never getting to play, Richmond was given the opportunity to start this season due to injuries to Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan.

He has made the best of the opportunity, winning the MLB Rookie of the Month award for April, and aiding in the Jays currently having the second-best record in the majors (behind the Dodgers).

1. Chad Billingsley, Los Angeles Dodgers

Hardly a new discovery, Billingsley is currently 5-0 with a team-best 2.21 ERA.

His 40.2 innings pitched and 42 strikeouts are both good enough for ninth overall in the majors.

After winning 12 games in 2007, and 16 in 2008, he put his name on the radar of fans and opponents alike.

However, there was concern for Dodger fans over the health of Billingsley coming into the season, as he had slipped on ice in November and suffered a spiral fracture of his left fibula. Obviously there have been no lasting effects to his on-field performance.

A first rounder for the Dodgers in 2003 (24th overall), Billingsley established himself in 2008 as a dominant starter. However, he is still not considered a true ace.

A good performance this season, which he is well on the way toward, will place him among the league's elite hurlers.