Jordan Lyles has a new grip on his curveball, writes Jaylon Thompson.
Sweeney discussed a few things with Lyles. Namely, Lyles felt his curveball could be more consistent on a Royals team that has adopted a motto of “Reign the Zone” this season.
As a result, he changed the grip on that pitch. His goal was to be more aggressive earlier in counts by throwing the curveball more effectively.
“I want to use it early in counts to get the first strike,” Lyles said. “Last year, it would have to be the perfect setting, 0-2, 1-2, where I need to bury it.