Doolittle adding pitches to arsenal
Sean Doolittle threw two sliders and a couple changeups Saturday afternoon, choices that wouldn’t earn much notice with most major league pitchers, but constitutes a significant development for the Nationals’ closer.
Doolittle rarely throws sliders. He almost never throws his change-up. In fact, over the last five seasons, only three relievers have thrown a greater percentage of fastballs than he has: Orioles closer Zach Britton, Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen and Rockies’ lefty Jake McGee. Closers can thrive with just a fastball.
This offseason, and now this spring, Doolittle renewed a career-long concerted effort to add legitimate off-speed pitches to his mix.
“It’s definitely been a point of emphasis,” Doolittle said. “I think in the two outings I’ve had, I’ve thrown more sliders to righties than I think I have in my whole career. … The change-up has continued to progress from where it was last year; that’s a pitch I felt comfortable with over the second half of last season.”
The 31-year-old missed time with shoulder trouble last year, and has a history of similar issues forcing him to the disabled list. Manager Dave Martinez has Ryan Madson and Brandon Kintzler to close on days when Doolittle needs a break.
For more coverage of the Nationals, go to Washington Post.com. changed, Hinch said the Astros might pluck him from the Fresno starting rotation again to fill in as a starter or reliever in the majors this season.
For more coverage of the Astros, go to Chron.com.