Kyle Finnegan was a long-time stalwart in the bullpen for the Washington Nationals.
But if diehard Nats’ fans watched Finnegan pitch now for the Detroit Tigers, they might notice a change.
Detroit acquired Finnegan just ahead of the trade deadline on July 31. Since then, the former Nationals closer has thrown 4.1 scoreless innings with six strikeouts, earning three saves.
He’s doing it by throwing the fastball a heck of a lot less.
In reverse, his splitter usage has skyrocketed.
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Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press broke down the numbers:
“With the Nationals, Finnegan threw 65.7% four-seam fastballs, 29.6% splitters and 4.7% sliders. With the Tigers, he’s at 48.1% four-seam fastballs, 42.3% splitters and 9.6% sliders.”
The Tigers likely identified the change they wanted to make before even trading for Finnegan. Since he showed up, Detroit has called his splitter more often.
“It’s adapt or die in this game,” Finnegan told the Free Press. “I’m always constantly looking for ways to get better. I guess they identified some things. Maybe that’s why they brought me over here. I’m embracing it, and I’m trusting it. There are a lot of really good minds over here.”
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Finnegan turns 34 in September and will be a free agent after the season.
If his production with the new pitch mix keeps up, it could be a good boost to his chances of getting a strong contract in free agency, too.
“He wants to use some good stuff,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told the Free Press. “He’s got multiple pitches to use. He shouldn’t fall into the trap of having to do it any one way.”
So far, so good for Finnegan in his new home.
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