Justin Sterner’s Promising Performance with Oakland A’s
Justin Sterner, a right-handed relief pitcher recently claimed off waivers by the Oakland A’s from the Tampa Bay Rays, is making waves with his revamped pitch mix and increased velocity. Despite the limited sample size, Sterner’s performance in spring training is catching attention, hinting at a potentially successful season ahead.
Surging Velocity and Pitch Mix Changes
Sterner’s velocity has seen a significant boost, with his fastball averaging 95.4 mph in recent games, a notable increase from last season. Additionally, he has been incorporating his cutter more frequently, deviating from his previous reliance on the four-seamer. This shift in pitch selection could be a strategic move to enhance his effectiveness on the mound.
Early Spring Training Success
In the ongoing spring training games, Sterner has showcased his skills in four appearances, delivering 3.1 scoreless innings with a 1.20 WHIP. While it’s still early to draw definitive conclusions, his performance so far indicates a potential for success in the upcoming season.
Striking Stat Comparisons
Comparing Sterner’s pitch effectiveness, his cutter has shown promising results with a low opponent’s batting average and expected batting average. In contrast, his four-seamer struggled with higher opponent averages, suggesting that the cutter could be a key weapon in his arsenal.
Intriguing Pitching Metrics
Delving deeper into Sterner’s pitching metrics, his Stuff+ and Location+ numbers reveal his proficiency on the mound. With a strong fastball and impressive overall pitching ability, Sterner presents a compelling option for the A’s bullpen this season.
Potential Role in the A’s Bullpen
With the possibility of earning a spot in the A’s bullpen, Sterner’s performance in spring training could secure him a position, especially with Dylan Floro’s availability uncertain. His versatility and presence on the 40-man roster position him as a viable candidate for a bullpen role.
As the season progresses, Sterner’s evolution and impact on the team will be closely monitored, offering a glimmer of hope for Oakland A’s fans eager for a successful campaign.
