“I don’t think I have a complete feel for that pitch yet,” Keller said, “but it’s just such a fantastic pitch with so much movement that it just gives me the confidence to attack the zone with it, even if I’m missing the arm side or missing down with it.”
Keller has thrown the ball well since adopting the sinker on May 18, with the proviso that correlation does not imply causation. Keller has a 2.65 ERA in his last four starts, striking out 18 hitters in 17 innings. Aside from the sinker, Keller’s performance has been aided by other variables. Keller described his two outings out of the bullpen against the Cubs and Rockies as a “reset,” but the sinker has immediately shown its worth. Coach Oscar Marin feels that the numbers are remarkable. When making adjustments to the squad, Marin will consider performance indicators.
