Data from Tyler Chatwoood’s first start suggests he’s been working on some mechanical tweaks. Specifically, his horizontal and vertical release points look very different from previous seasons.
Much has been made about Chatwood’s top-tier spin rate, even before the inked up the former Rockies starter to a unique deal this past winter. And while it’s true that the righty has some of the most impressive spin in MLB, I found that Chatwood’s pitch RPM’s don’t correlate to whiffs or run prevention.
Perhaps his spin rate doesn’t translate to optimal movement because he throws from more of a three-quarters slot rather than coming over the top.