Szuminski Watch

Padres pitcher and rocket scientist Jason Szuminski, 25, is trying to become the majors' first MIT grad. How is he doing? SI's Szuminskimeter tells all.

Facing major league hitters for the first time in his career, Szuminski was nearly perfect in his first four outings. He struck out the first batter he faced, Anaheim's Shane Halter, and gave up one hit in 4? innings—often pitching in the early innings, when the opponents' starters are still in the game. In six games he has a 1.42 ERA. "I feel like my stuff's getting better each time out," he says.