What happened: The left-hander recorded 12 strikeouts through seven innings on Aug. 9. By Aug. 15, he had lowered his ERA to 2.04 during a two-month surge.
Why it matters: The consecutive campaigns show sustained swing-and-miss production. Reaching the mark three times distinguishes the run from a one-season peak.
By the numbers: 200-strikeout seasons: 3 career, including 2 consecutive. Two-month rate through Aug. 15: 12.2 strikeouts per nine innings.
What to watch: His remaining starts will determine how far the 2026 total moves beyond 200.