GDT 6/11/22: Braves vs Pirates - Backup DH is in

If Ozuna isn’t going to turn this ship around—which I think is a very real possibility—then what is the longterm plan for him? Is there a good dead-weight match for his final 2+ years? Would the Braves eat $30M+ to clear a roster spot?
 
Indeed, but his velocity and spin are similar to last year.

I guess it’s just location?

He seems to lose control of the breaking ball, and then everything crumbles. It seems like every single time he hits a LHH with the curve the inning turns into a disaster.

He’s also interesting in the sense that his 4 seamer has bad shape with only 7” of rise. That’s right in the “hit me a mile” range of fastball movement.

So I wonder if the curve and mediocre 4 seamer are an effective pair, and if the curve isn’t working the 4 seamer is bad without the complimentary pitch.

Personally, I think Morton should be throwing the sinker much more than he does. It’s a better pitch by itself, and may be able to stand on its own better when the curve isn’t working.
 
He seems to lose control of the breaking ball, and then everything crumbles. It seems like every single time he hits a LHH with the curve the inning turns into a disaster.

He’s also interesting in the sense that his 4 seamer has bad shape with only 7” of rise. That’s right in the “hit me a mile” range of fastball movement.

So I wonder if the curve and mediocre 4 seamer are an effective pair, and if the curve isn’t working the 4 seamer is bad without the complimentary pitch.

Personally, I think Morton should be throwing the sinker much more than he does. It’s a better pitch by itself, and may be able to stand on its own better when the curve isn’t working.

Charlie is a smart guy, so it will be interesting if he’s willing to adapt this late in his career.

I do find this trend interesting.

April: 7.50 K 5.50 BB
May/June: 10.57 K 3.23 BB
2021: 10.47 K 2.81 BB

This doesn’t take into account the hard contact that’s been consistent throughout the year, but maybe it’s a signal he’s finding himself coming back from injury.
 
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