Should Misiorowski Throw A Sinker? The Rays' New Tendency

Jacob Misiorowski, Nick Martinez, Shane Baz

• Jacob Misiorowski’s four-seam velocity has been on an upward trajectory since the beginning of the season (6 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 11 K - Friday). He averaged 101.1 mph on Friday, his fourth consecutive outing above 99 after sitting below that mark in each of his first four starts. The pitch has a 25% swinging-strike rate with a 56% zone rate over his last four starts. Cam Schlittler and Misiorowski are the only two starting pitchers this season with swinging-strike rates above 20% and zone rates above 50% (min 50 thrown). Misiorowski’s arm angle has also fallen ~2° since the start of the season, as we’ve seen a minor increase in his extension and decrease in his release height. It’s insane for a pitcher to have this strong a fastball shape and the ability to control it. Since the uptick in velocity, he’s been zoning the pitch more too. His 44% zone rate is up to 56% over these last four starts. His righty and lefty locations are aggressively middle, the proper approach for a fastball of this quality.