(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Boston Red Sox are a team that has been flying under the radar this year.
After winning just 78 games a year ago, the Sox now find themselves six games above the .500 mark and right in the thick of the postseason chase entering play Wednesday.
They sit just 1.5 games back of the Houston Astros for the final Wild Card spot.
Their starting rotation was a weak point earlier this season, and they ultimately were forced to move right-hander Nick Pivetta to the bullpen.
However, Pivetta has seemingly turned the corner since being moved to the bullpen.
On Twitter, Red Sox analyst Mike Monaco pointed out a key improvement Pivetta has made since being assigned a new role.
Nick Pivetta’s 4-seam FB:
Starter: 24 hits, .293 AVG, 93.8 MPH, 2,265 spin rate
Reliever: 3 hits, .057 AVG, 94.9 MPH, 2,375 spin rate
— Mike Monaco (@MikeMonaco_) July 18, 2023
As a starter, Pivetta’s four-seam fastball was averaging 93.8 mph.
He gave up 24 hits with it, and opposing hitters had posted a .293 batting average against his four-seamer.
It also had a spin rate of 2,265.
Since being moved to the bullpen, Pivetta’s spin rate on his four-seamer is up to 2,375, while opponents are hitting just .057 against it with only three hits.
The fastball is also averaging close to 95 mph.
These are some major improvements Pivetta has made since being moved to the bullpen, and the move clearly has helped the Red Sox out a great deal.
Pivetta has proven to be a reliable arm out of the team’s bullpen as they look to chase down a Wild Card spot and reach the postseason for the second time in three years.
The right-hander is 6-5 with a 4.44 ERA in his 23 appearances, eight of which were starts.
The post Red Sox Pitcher Has Made Key Improvements Since Moving To Bullpen appeared first on The Cold Wire.