DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: AL East—Doubront's velocity dips

Boston Red Sox

The velocity of the fastball of Felix Doubront (LHP, BOS) has been down significantly this season, and it caught up to him for the first time May 3, a 3 2/3-IP, 6 ER, 12 H PQS-0. Doubront’s average fastball in 29 starts last year was 92.7 mph; this year, it is 90.4 mph. In the May 3 start, he topped out at 91, with more of his fastballs in the 88-89 range.

While the loss of velocity is concerning, some of Doubront’s other numbers tell a more encouraging tale. For one, the dip in velocity has not hurt Doubront’s strikeout rate; in 27 IP, he has 31 Ks, a career-best pace. Doubront’s biggest problem is a 41% hit rate, which should regress. A 64% strand rate isn’t helping, either. Doubront’s 3.64 xERA suggests brighter days...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

It's time for the league and fantasy managers to start respecting the Marlins as a rising threat in the NL East. Plus: 1B at NYM; SP at PHI; 2B at WAS; DH at ATL; more.
Apr 6 2026 3:18am
For the NL West this week, we take a close look at Randy Vásquez's velocity changes, a looming pitching surprise in Arizona, and playing time outlooks for young guys trying to make a name for themselves.
Apr 4 2026 3:07am
CJ Kayfus had a bad night in left field on Sunday. Could it hurt his playing time going forward? Plus, a look at early lineups in CHW and DET, the closer situation in KC, and positional flexibility for the Twins C.J. Culpepper.
Apr 2 2026 3:05am
With Bryan Abreu's early season struggles, is there a change to be made at closer in Houston?
Apr 1 2026 3:05am

Tools