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Emerson Hancock's Role in the Mariners' Pitching Puzzle
about 1 month agoUS
Emerson Hancock has emerged as a key figure in the Seattle Mariners' pitching plans, creating both opportunity and questions as the team navigates a crowded rotation. With the return of Bryce Miller from injury, the Mariners face tough decisions on how to best utilize their pitching talent.
Key Insights
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Hancock's Performance:: Since stepping in for the injured Bryce Miller, Hancock has posted a 2.86 ERA over six starts, striking out 32 batters in 34.2 innings.
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Underlying Stats:: Hancock's expected ERA is higher at 4.51, indicating potential issues with contact quality and increased vulnerability in later innings, as evidenced by a significant jump in OPS during his third time through the batting order.
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Velocity Drop:: Hancock's fastball velocity decreases from 95.5 mph in the first inning to 94.0 mph by the sixth, contributing to his late-game struggles.
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Expert Opinion:: Pitching analyst Nick Pollack advocates for Hancock to remain a starter, highlighting the quality of his fastball and its potential as a foundational pitch.
Why this matters: The Mariners need to optimize their pitching staff for a playoff push. Deciding Hancock's role—whether as a starter, reliever, or in Triple-A—will significantly impact their competitiveness.
In-Depth Analysis
The Mariners are grappling with a surplus of starting pitchers, including Emerson Hancock, Bryce Miller, and Luis Castillo. Hancock's recent performance has complicated the situation, as he has shown flashes of brilliance but also underlying weaknesses.
Hancock as a Starter:
Hancock's fastball stands out due to its high strike rate (76%) and swing-strike rate (20%). However, his secondary pitches need improvement, with strike rates below 50%. According to Nick Pollack, Hancock possesses the foundational qualities of a starter, particularly his fastball command and movement.
Potential Move to the Bullpen:
Moving Hancock to the bullpen could capitalize on his ability to pitch effectively in shorter stints. His velocity decline in later innings suggests he might thrive in a relief role, where he can maintain higher velocity for fewer innings. This move could also address the bullpen's current needs.
The Challenge Ahead:
The Mariners must weigh Hancock's potential as a starter against the immediate benefits he could provide in the bullpen. With Miller returning and Castillo's struggles, the decision is far from straightforward. The team also needs to consider the development of prospect Kade Anderson, adding another layer of complexity to their pitching plans.
FanDuel Implications:
On May 2nd, Hancock is slated to start against the Royals. FanDuel Sportsbook has Hancock at -106 odds to total over 4.5 strikeouts.
FAQs
What are the Mariners' options with their crowded pitching rotation?
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A:: The Mariners could stick with a six-man rotation, trade a pitcher, move someone to the bullpen, or send a pitcher to Triple-A.
What are the pros and cons of moving Hancock to the bullpen?
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A:: Pros: Could thrive in shorter stints, addresses bullpen needs. Cons: May stunt his development as a starter, loses value of his fastball over a longer game.
Key Takeaways
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Emerson Hancock has shown promise as a starter but has underlying issues that could make him a valuable bullpen piece.
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The Mariners' decision on Hancock's role will impact their pitching depth and competitiveness.
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Expert analysis suggests Hancock's fastball is a strong foundation for a starting pitcher, but improvements are needed in his secondary pitches.
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Monitor Hancock's performance and velocity in upcoming starts to gauge his potential in either role.
Discussion
What do you think the Mariners should do with Emerson Hancock? Should he stay in the rotation, move to the bullpen, or head to Triple-A? Let us know your thoughts!
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