The Pitching Injury Problem, Catching Targets, Altering Pitch Shapes & Slider/Sweeper Deep-Dive

From Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball The Athletic

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss Eno's co-authored story with Ken Rosenthal about the ongoing concern regarding pitcher injuries as velocity and breaking ball usage continues to increase. Plus, they examine the Rays' use of a relatively simple approach to maximize the effectiveness of their pitchers, and how some pitchers like the Cubs' Justin Steele alter the shape of a smaller arsenal to keep hitters off-balance. Finally, they wrap up the show with the deep dive into the slider and sweeper and a few listener/viewer questions.

Rundown

0:58 The Neverending Quest to Reduce Pitcher Injuries

(Related reading -- Eno's story with Ken Rosenthal ($) https://theathletic.com/5325032/)

17:24 Catcher Targets & How the Rays Simplify Their Pitching Plans

(Related reading -- Chad Jennings' story on the Rays' pitching development ($) https://theathletic.com/5318763/)

28:22 Altering Pitch Shapes to Increase a Small Arsenal

(Related reading -- Sahadev Sharma on Justin Steele's ability to change the shape of his 'two' main pitches ($) https://theathletic.com/5311112)

41:43 Deep Dive: Sliders & Sweepers

53:32 Viewer + Listener Q&A

58:01 Joey Votto Signs with the Blue Jays

Follow Eno on Twitter: @enosarris

Follow Trevor on Twitter: @IamTrevorMay

Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper

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