John Antonoff/For the Sun-Times
MESA, Ariz. – From lefty Shota Imanaga’s vantage point, it hadn’t looked like his fastball had run to it as he tried to manipulate it up and away. But the pitch data said otherwise.
Imanaga's fastball is at its best when it’s perceived to be moving up and in towards right-handed hitters – with what are referred to as “cut-ride” qualities. So, in a bullpen session before his most recent Cactus League start, he prioritized trusting his fastball with that shape to all parts of the strike zone.