Reds' Chapman on record-setting pace

CINCINNATI - Even though we're not even a quarter of the way through the 2012 season, Cincinnati Reds set up man Aroldis Chapman is on a record-setting pace that can't go ignored.

The 24-year-old pitcher, who hasn't allowed a single run in 17 2/3 innings pitched, is striking out nearly 16 batters per nine innings and has a chance to go down as the most unhittable pitcher in MLB history, according to an article published in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.

Going into Wednesday's game against the New York Mets, Chapman, who consistently hovers around 100 mph, has struck out 31 batters out of the 64 he's faced so far this season. That breaks down to a strikeout rate of 48.4 percent, the highest among any pitcher in the last 90 years, according to Stats LLC.

But, if Chapman's season ended today, he would not be at the top of the list because he hasn't thrown at least 50 innings. Former Los Angeles Dodgers closer Eric Gagne is number one among pitchers who threw at least 50 innings with a 44.8 strikeout percentage.

In case you're wondering, Chapman is on pace to throw 86 2/3 innings in 2012, according to Stats LLC. While it's easy to discount projected baseball stats, Chapman's dominance so far this season is something to pay attention to.