Impact A lower velocity early in spring training is fairly common for pitchers, but it's still worth noting for Strider given that his fastball velocity has steadily trended downward since averaging 98.2 mph during his first full MLB campaign in 2022. It averaged 95.5 mph last season in his first year back from internal brace surgery on his elbow, and he was inconsistent on the mound with a 4.45 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and significantly lower 9.4 K/9. Strider is currently more focused on improving the shape of his fastball, which could help him to regain his more dominant form even if his velocity doesn't return to that high point from 2022.
2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE
