Fister first-class again
NEW YORK — Expectations were never that high for Doug Fister when he was picked up off waivers in late June and in the early going he met those expectations.
Lately, however, Fister has evolved into a top-flight starter for the Red Sox.
He’s not only shattered expectations, he’s setting new ones that he seems capable of meeting every five days.
His new standard is excellence, and last night Fister met that with a seven-inning stint in which he allowed only four hits — just two after a one-run, two-hit first inning — while striking out five and walking just one.
Over his last three starts, he has posted a 1.57 ERA.
“He pitches with such conviction and you see it in his body language, you see it in his attack plan,” said manager John Farrell after the 4-1 victory over the Yankees. “He’s got a clear understanding of what he’s trying to do on the mound. That’s a testament to the work he puts in, the preparation he goes through and you know what, a veteran guy who knows what his capabilities and his limitations are.”
Rick Porcello, a teammate of Fister’s in Detroit, where he was a front-line starter, sees a return to those glory days.
“He is (the same guy), he goes out there and he attacks you,” said Porcello. “He’s going to give you innings, pitch deep into games. Everything, in my mind, you want in a starting pitcher.”
Fister is pleased with his ability to resemble his former self.
“I feel very healthy and I think that’s a big key, but trying to reenact what I used to do, that’s part of the process,” said Fister. “I’ve been making the changes in trying to emulate what I used to do and trying to be able to continue.”
Fister began the game by surrendering back-to-back doubles by Brett Gardner and Aaron Judge to account for the Yankees’ sole run.
Interestingly enough, all four runs he has given up over his last three starts over 23 innings have come in the first inning.
Darned if Fister knows what that’s about.
“I don’t really know, I’m approaching the game the same way, every inning, every hitter I try to keep it as simple as possible, it’s pitch by pitch,” said Fister. “I’m trying to keep my focus the same. Unfortunately I keep giving up a hit or a run or whatever it may be in the first inning. Maybe that just knocks some sense into me, I’m not real sure but I’ve got to clean that up and give us a chance to come out of the gates cleanly.”
A great deal of effort has been put into getting Fister to this point. He’s pleased with the results, but he still has set higher goals.
“There’s a lot of things that have gone on mechanics-wise, approach-wise, focus-wise and it all has a little effect on it … there’s a light at the end of the tunnel that I want to eventually get to but I’ve got to continue to make strides in that direction,” he said.