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!
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