Baltimore Orioles Closer Finds More Velocity in Latest Spring Training Game

Introduction

Spring training is a time for baseball players to shake off the rust, fine-tune their skills, and prepare for the long grind of the MLB season. While hitters often use this time to work on timing and adjustments at the plate, pitchers focus on developing their arm strength and refining their mechanics. One notable development in this year’s spring training for the Baltimore Orioles has been their closer, whose latest performance has shown an impressive increase in velocity.

A closer is one of the most crucial roles on a baseball team, often tasked with preserving a narrow lead in the final innings of a game. Having a closer who can consistently throw with high velocity can be a game-changer, both in terms of overpowering batters and closing out games with confidence. The Orioles’ closer has caught attention in spring training with an uptick in his velocity, signaling a promising sign for the team’s bullpen in the upcoming season.

Spring Training and Its Significance

Spring training is far more than a warm-up before the start of the MLB season; it’s a critical time for players to adjust their form, develop new pitches, and build the endurance needed to withstand the season’s demands. For pitchers, it’s about building arm strength, refining mechanics, and finding their rhythm on the mound. The competitive environment of spring training allows pitchers to face major league hitters and gauge where they stand in terms of velocity, control, and overall effectiveness.

Pitchers are expected to gradually increase their velocity during spring training, as they build arm strength. This process helps them transition from offseason training to the rigors of a full MLB season. Spring training also serves as an opportunity for pitchers to experiment with new pitches or tweaks to their mechanics, often with the goal of adding an extra weapon to their arsenal or improving upon previous weaknesses.

For the Orioles’ closer, this year’s spring training has been a period of impressive development. The pitcher, known for his reliable performance out of the bullpen, has taken it to the next level by adding a noticeable increase in his velocity. This surge has generated excitement among fans and coaches alike, as it could signal a more dominant version of the closer heading into the regular season.

The Orioles’ Closer

While the exact identity of the Orioles’ closer may vary depending on the year and the specific pitcher in question, the closer is one of the most pivotal roles on any baseball team. The closer is the player who enters the game in the final innings to preserve a lead, typically in save situations. They are expected to have electric stuff and the ability to get strikeouts when necessary.

For the Orioles, their closer has been a reliable option over the past few seasons, often coming in to secure victories in high-pressure moments. However, even the most reliable closers can benefit from increased velocity, as it allows them to overpower hitters and strike fear into opposing lineups.

The Velocity Increase

In the latest spring training game, the Orioles’ closer showcased an impressive boost in velocity. According to the team’s pitching data, the closer was throwing his fastball at an average of 98 miles per hour (mph), which is a noticeable jump from his previous average of 94 mph in prior seasons. This increase in velocity could have significant implications for his performance during the regular season.

This uptick in velocity didn’t just show up in a single pitch but was consistent throughout the outing. The closer was able to maintain this high velocity for several innings, demonstrating that he had the physical endurance to support it. What’s more, the increase wasn’t just a flash in the pan; his mechanics appeared to be more fluid, suggesting that this velocity boost could be sustainable moving forward.

The Science Behind Velocity in Baseball

Increasing velocity as a pitcher requires a combination of factors. A pitcher’s mechanics, strength, conditioning, and even mental focus can all contribute to a velocity boost. Additionally, pitchers often rely on technology such as radar guns and pitching trackers (like PitchFX) to monitor their speed and adjust their approach. By identifying weaknesses in their delivery and improving their physical strength, pitchers can make adjustments that add speed to their pitches.

In the case of the Orioles’ closer, there may have been changes in his offseason training routine or adjustments to his mechanics that have resulted in the increased velocity. For example, a change in his arm angle, adjustments to his leg drive, or a more efficient follow-through could all be contributing factors. Additionally, working with the Orioles’ training staff may have helped him improve his strength and flexibility, which in turn may have contributed to the velocity increase.

Impact on the Orioles’ Bullpen

The Orioles’ bullpen, like that of any MLB team, is integral to the overall success of the team. A strong bullpen can keep the team competitive even when the starting rotation falters. A closer with increased velocity adds an important weapon to the bullpen, potentially making it one of the more fearsome units in the league.

For the Orioles, the increased velocity from their closer could have several benefits. First, a fastball that regularly hits 98 mph can make a closer more effective in securing strikeouts and getting batters to swing and miss. It can also improve his ability to induce weak contact, forcing batters to chase high, overpowering pitches. Furthermore, a closer who can throw with increased velocity is better equipped to handle the high-leverage situations that often arise late in close games.

The psychological effect of a closer throwing 98 mph as opposed to 94 mph can also be profound. Batters know they’re facing a pitcher who can blow the ball by them, and this can force them into defensive swings, making it easier for the closer to dictate the at-bat.

Comparison to Other MLB Closers

The success of the Orioles’ closer in increasing his velocity isn’t unique; many notable closers in MLB history have made similar adjustments. For example, Aroldis Chapman, one of the most feared closers of his generation, relied on a blazing fastball that could exceed 100 mph. Similarly, Edwin Díaz, the closer for the New York Mets, has been dominant with his fastball velocity in the high 90s.

When comparing the Orioles’ closer to these elite pitchers, it’s important to consider how the increase in velocity could impact the team’s ability to compete with other clubs. A closer with consistent velocity near 98 mph is on par with some of the best in the business, and the Orioles could see their bullpen rise to the top of the league if this velocity increase translates to consistent performance.

Challenges and Risks

While increasing velocity can certainly help a pitcher become more dominant, it’s not without its risks. One of the primary concerns when pitchers attempt to increase their velocity is the added strain on their arm. Throwing harder places additional stress on the shoulder and elbow, which can lead to injury if not managed properly.

The Orioles’ coaching staff will need to carefully monitor the closer’s workload during spring training to ensure that he doesn’t overexert himself in an effort to maintain his increased velocity. There is always the possibility that the body may not be able to handle such a significant increase in velocity, particularly over the course of a long MLB season.

Future Outlook

The future looks bright for the Orioles’ bullpen if their closer’s velocity increase continues into the regular season. With his enhanced fastball, the Orioles have a greater chance of competing in tight games and locking down victories in the final innings. However, there will need to be continued attention to his mechanics, strength, and overall health to ensure that the velocity increase doesn’t come at the cost of durability.

The Orioles’ closer will need to continue to refine his pitches and avoid overuse during the season, but if he can maintain his velocity and pitch with precision, he could become one of the most dominant closers in the American League.

The Baltimore Orioles’ closer’s recent increase in velocity during spring training is an exciting development for the team. With a powerful fastball now regularly reaching 98 mph, the closer is poised to take his performance to the next level in the upcoming season. The increase in velocity not only enhances his ability to overpower hitters but also strengthens the Orioles’ bullpen, positioning them as a potential force in the American League. As long as the coaching staff manages his workload and avoids injury concerns, the closer’s velocity increase could be the key to a successful and exciting 2025 season for the Baltimore Orioles.