MMV #073: 5 Signs You Should Remove the Starting Pitcher

TMVP #011: Should You Play Summer Ball or Train?

In this episode, Josh and I cover:

• Pros and cons of summer ball
• Should you train or play
•  Questions to ask yourself after the season

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Apple 

YouTube

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Players will have their delivery analyzed with Kinatrax and ATMI force plates to better understand and maximize their mechanics.

Players will also be throwing on TrackMan and with an edgertronic camera to improve pitch shapes.

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As a coach, knowing when to take your starter out of the game is vital.

It could determine a win or a loss.

It is also super important when it comes to the player's health.

Today I want to give you 5 possible reasons to remove a starting pitcher.

Let's begin.

1. Pitch Count

Keeping the pitcher at an appropriate pitch count is important for longterm health.

How many pitches is he built up for?

How stressful have the innings been?

How many pitches in each inning?

Pitch counts should be individually based on what the pitcher has built up to.

A couple general rules:

• Don't let pitcher throw more than 30-35 pitches in an inning
• Build up pitcher in 15-20 pitch increments and/or 1 additional inning from previous week or recent high

2. Momentum Shift

This one requires the most feel as a coach.

Did you just take the lead in the 7th inning?

Where are you in the game?

Where is the momentum?

This one comes with experience and feel for the rhythm of the game.

I remember watching a playoff game a couple years ago with Kevin Gausman on the mound for the Blue Jays vs. the Mariners.

It was the 6th inning with an 8-1 lead.

He got into a bases loaded situation and no one out.

After a mound visit he proceeded to get a strikeout and a pop up before being pulled.

I couldn't believe he was being taken out.

You can say pitch count was high or there was a better matchup in the bullpen, but the momentum the Blue Jays had was absolutely crushed.

Gausman had found a rhythm and was 1 out away from getting out of it. 

Reliever cam in and threw a WP, followed by a HR.

They ended up losing 10-9.

I am not saying this will always happen, but understanding the flow of the game is important.

3. Loss of Command

Has he lost the ability to throw his fastball for a strike?

How badly is he missing spots?

Are walks going up?

When a pitcher loses feel for the zone, it is tough to get it back that outing.

4. Reduced Velo and Stuff

Depending on how good a pitcher is, they still might be productive at lower velo and stuff, but what is the cause?

This can be a red flag for fatigue or injury.

Pay attention to this one.

5. Consistent Hard Contact

Is he giving up consistent barrels?

Is he fooling anyone?

Are there loud outs?

A sign the other team is on him.

5 signs to consider removing SP:

1. Pitch count
2. Momentum shift
3. Loss of command
4. Reduced velo and stuff
5. Consistent hard contact

That's all for today! I hope you got value out of this.

As always, reply with any thoughts or questions!

See you next week.

Whenever you are ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1. Remote Training: a personalized throwing and lifting program built for you and your goals.

2. In-Person Training: Work with me in Phoenix, Arizona. Personalized training program to help you reach your goals. Trackman and edgertronic for bullpen sessions.

3. Trackman and Edgertronic camera bullpen: Get objective feedback on how your pitches are moving. I'll send you video and movement report after bullpen.