Brad Hand’s fastball velocity is up a tick, from 91.4 MPH on his four-seamer and 91.5 MPH on his sinker in 2020 to 91.8 and 91.7 average, respectively, early this season. His velocity was a focus for Hand this winter, so even a minor increase is a positive sign his work paid off.
The 31-year-old closer, who signed a 1-year/$10.5M free agent deal this winter, has thrown a total of six scoreless innings, walking two and striking out five, while holding opposing the hitters he’s faced to a combined .150/.292/.200 line thus far. The spin rate on his slider is up, (2498 up from 2385 last season), and no one has a hit off the pitch so far.