New York Yankees reliever Ron Marinaccio has been a godsend to their decimated bullpen.
Michael King and Chad Green are out for the season with long-term injuries, Zack Britton hasn’t pitched all year, Jonathan Loaisiga is not looking as sharp as he did in 2021, and Miguel Castro and Clay Holmes remain on the shelf, too.
With so many bullpen pieces either injured or underperforming, Marinaccio has been impressive as a rookie this year.
In 31.1 innings, he has a 1.72 ERA and a 3.09 Fielding Independent Pitching, or FIP.
He has struck out 30.3% of the hitters he has faced and while his 12.3% walk rate is a tad high, he manages to dominate the competition anyway.
A big reason that can explain his 2022 success is his extraordinary changeup.
“Ron Marinaccio’s changeup this year .047 BA (2/43), .070 SLG (3/43), 38.0 K% (19/50), -9 Run Value,” sports researcher James Smyth tweeted.
Ron Marinaccio’s changeup this year
.047 BA (2/43)
.070 SLG (3/43)
38.0 K% (19/50)
-9 Run Value https://t.co/GPLLWeGKUA— James Smyth (@JamesSmyth621) August 25, 2022
The Numbers Say His Changeup Is Among The Best In The League
Opposing hitters have had just two hits off his changeup this season, which is crazy because he throws it 37.4% of the time.
The offering is also a phenomenal weapon to miss bats.
He has an incredible 46.2% whiff rate with it: it means that every time hitters swing at his changeup, they miss almost half of the time.
Marinaccio also throws a four-seam fastball and a slider.
They are good pitches: the heater averages 94.7 mph of velocity, and the slider has generated a .200 batting average against.
However, they pale in comparison to his otherworldly change.
The Yankees have been giving him more high-leverage after his most recent promotion because he has earned it.
As long as he keeps dominating, they will keep giving him the ball without looking back.
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Leland Baker Jr says
Remind Cabreras that Mays started out 0-20 as I recall.