Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB’s best pitches (and the best hitters against them)

By Kevin Larson

May 17, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 3, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Dillon Tate (55) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Dillon Tate (55) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Sinker: Dillon Tate & Will Smith

Dillon Tate’s taken a big leap forward from his 2021 season and is helping the Orioles’ bullpen in a surprising playoff push with his 148 ERA+. His sinker’s a huge reason for that, limiting hitters to a .240 wOBA on a .236 batting average with a -16 run value. If hitters get to it then they’re doing next to nothing with it. A trusty arm out of the O’s pen and a pretty nice K-spin also!

Will Smith, on the other hand, crushes sinkers. He sees them 17.4% of the time and crushes them for a .509 wOBA and a Run Value of 16. It’s easily the worst pitch a pitcher can throw to him (next best pitch is a changeup with a Run Value of 6).

Dillon Tate and Will Smith have not faced each other this season. Potential World Series matchup? We shall see.

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