“This is the kind of pitcher that if you’re in a slump, can get you out of it…it’s a good practice day.” — Phillies’ announcer Gregg Murphy about Reds starter Bronson Arroyo
On a good day, Bronson Arroyo’s fastball brushes 85 mph. He can maybe rear back and get it up to 86 or 87 as Fangraphs claims, but I’ve yet to see it happen. Against the Rockies in his last start, Arroyo served up four home run balls, taking an early exit after 5.1 innings of six-run baseball. He’s had a magnificent career only matched by his personality, but at this point in his baseball life, Bronson Arroyo is nothing more than batting practice.