The second half of the 2012 season affords an opportunity for redemption. Those who haven’t played well for the past three months can make up for that effort with a strong finish to the year. 

For some major-league pitchers, improving their performance is simply about keeping their jobs for this season and staking a claim to employment next year. But for others who have struggled, their teams are in playoff contention and need a meaningful contribution to stay competitive with their division and league rivals. 

Of the 10 pitchers listed here, much was expected. Younger pitchers were projected to establish themselves as major leaguers. Veterans were counted on to provide innings and stability to the middle and back ends of their team’s starting rotations. To this point, these hurlers have fallen short of those expectations. 

With that, here are the 10 major-league pitchers who need to pitch well in the second half of the season. And they need to do so immediately. 

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