LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Blaine Boyer understands the results he has garnered through his five Grapefruit League appearances have enhanced the challenge he faces to earn a spot in Atlanta's bullpen as a non-roster player. But Boyer remains optimistic he has time to adjust to the increased velocity he has unexpectedly generated this year.
While producing a 3.23 ERA over the 131 innings completed with the Twins and Brewers over the past two seasons, Boyer's fastball velocity sat between 91-92 mph and occasionally touched 94 mph. After spending this past winter focusing on a spider wall exercise that impacted his shoulders, he has found himself sitting between 92-94 mph and touching 96 mph.