Never known for his blazing velocity, Kyle Hendricks has thrown much slower to start 2017 compared to previous years. Last season’s ERA champion averaged 88.9 mph with his four-seam and 88.2 with his sinker. This year, however, his sinker is averaging just a few decimals over 86 and the four-seam 86.6 mph.
But in his most recent start, Hendricks was throwing his sinker faster — 86.8 mph to be exact — nearly a full mile per hour higher that his previous 2017 starts. Of course, the average isn’t still quite what we’re used to seeing, but it’s a positive sign nonetheless.