The 2019 season has not been kind to Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Chris Archer. In 13 starts, Archer owns a 5.56 ERA and a 6.01 FIP. Both of these are career worsts for the former All-Star. He has also allowed a National League worst 18 home runs.
A factor in the struggles of Archer has been a two-seamed fastball that has been getting crushed. This is a pitch that the Pirates have seemingly forced on Archer since his arrival last July. By ditching this pitch, Archer could take a step toward turning his 2019 season around.