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

The Phillies are poised to finally end the Braves dominance of the division -- can they sustain that when the Braves are healthy in 2025?
Sep 21 2024 3:15am
Wilson had a great 2024 in the minors and looks to breakout with the A's in 2025.
Sep 20 2024 3:05am
Heston Kjerstad could be the beneficiary of Anthony Santander's pending free agency in BAL. Plus, hitters vying for 2025 playing time for TAM and TOR, and the effects of pending free agencies for BOS and NYY.
Sep 17 2024 3:10am
A look around the division with some questions for next year, including the Kansas City rotation and shortstop in Detroit.
Sep 13 2024 3:10am
MIL could have a new look infield, CHC still hasn't solved its problem at 3B, two situations to monitor in STL, coming full circle in CIN, and RF and 1B remain a problem in PIT.
Sep 12 2024 3:06am

Tools