Reds want precise pitchers

CINCINNATI — The next time you watch Tyler Mahle pitch for the Cincinnati Reds, watch catcher Tucker Barnhart’s mitt. If it’s not moving, Mahle is likely going to be good. If Barnhart is reaching for pitches, Mahle is probably going to be in trouble.

In baseball-speak, Mahle, the Reds 23-year-old starter, relies on “command,” which not only is the ability to throw strikes, but also to throw strikes where he wants them. He was able to do that in his last outing, a six-inning, one-hit shutout performance against the Chicago Cubs, mostly with his fastball.

Homer Bailey did the same thing on opening day against the Washington Nationals. Sal Romano did the same Sunday against the Nationals. Both made quality starts. The one who struggled with his command was Luis Castillo. He gave up six runs in five innings.

“As good as fastballs are these days, it’s hard to hit a well-located one,” Barnhart said. “Everybody has spot where you can throw a well-located fastball and get them out.”

Mahle’s fastball averaged 93.4 mph on Monday. That’s about average these days. If you throw harder or the fastball moves, command isn’t as crucial.

“It’s different for every pitcher,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “Some you add deception and movement, then you work a bigger part of the plate. … In Tyler’s case, he’s not a power sinker-ball guy. He’s really a four-seam fastball pitcher. His command is target-based.”