Tim Herrin and His Breakout Season
The power of Pitch usage adjustments
In the world of Major League Baseball, subtle adjustments can lead to massive improvements in performance. Tim Herrin, a left-handed pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, exemplified this principle in 2024. After a difficult 2023 season, where he posted a 5.53 ERA and a WHIP nearing 1.5, Herrin made a critical change to his pitch selection that transformed him on the mound.
The 2023 Struggles
During the 2023 season, Herrin approached both left-handed and right-handed hitters with a nearly identical strategy—throwing four-seam fastballs and sliders at an overwhelming rate of 85%. This lack of variation made him predictable and allowed hitters to adjust, leading to his high ERA and WHIP.
A New Approach in 2024
Determined to improve, Herrin overhauled his pitch usage in 2024, tailoring his approach based on batter handedness:
Against Right-Handed Hitters: Herrin introduced his curveball as a primary weapon, throwing it 45% of the time. This was a strategic move, as curveballs tend to be more effective against opposite-handed hitters. He complimented this with his four-seam fastball, the ideal choice of fastball against right-handers.
Against Left-Handed Hitters: Instead of relying heavily on just two pitches, Herrin diversified his approach. His pitch selection became an even mix:
Sliders (36%)
Sinkers (25%)
Curveballs (23%)
Four-seam fastballs making up the remainder This balanced pitch distribution kept left-handed batters off balance, preventing them from sitting on any one pitch.
The Results: A Breakout Season
The impact of Herrin’s pitch usage adjustment was nothing short of remarkable. In 2024, he pitched 65 innings with a WHIP below 1.0, solidifying himself as a reliable relief option. His dominance against left-handed hitters was particularly impressive:
Faced 101 left-handed batters
Allowed only 13 hits over the entire season
Posted an elite 0.68 WHIP against lefties
This transformation highlights the significance of strategic pitch usage and adaptation at the highest level of baseball. Herrin’s ability to analyze his weaknesses and make data-driven changes turned him from a struggling reliever into a vital asset for the Guardians’ bullpen. His 2024 season serves as a prime example of how intelligent adjustments can lead to game-changing results in professional baseball.