Numbers: Derek Holland's fastball to lefties

September, 24, 2012
9/24/12
9:45
AM CT
Derek HollandESPN Stats & Information
Derek Holland takes the mound tonight as the Texas Rangers begin a big series against the Oakland A's at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (7:05 p.m. on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and FSSW). Holland has pitched well since returning from a disabled list stint in June and one big reason is improved location of his fastball to left-handed hitters.

ESPN Stats & Information (thanks Doug Kern) broke down how Holland is throwing the pitch farther outside and has slowed its velocity, likely to be sure he commands it. But he's getting more foul balls and a lower swing rate out of the pitch and it's working. A look at Holland's numbers against left-handed hitters before and after his DL stint:

Opponents' batting average: .250 (before), .224 (after)
Swing rate: 46 percent (before), 40 percent (after)
Foul ball rate: 35 percent (before), 42 percent (after)
Average speed: 93.2 (before), 92.3 (after)
Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ron Washington

Ron Washington joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett for his weekly visit to discuss the magnitude of Monday's win against Oakland, how he plans on using Jurickson Profar and how to handle a struggling ballclub.

Galloway & Company: Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan joins Galloway & Company to discuss the Rangers' six-game losing streak and how to get out of their slump.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Jon Daniels

General manager Jon Daniels joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the Rangers' offensive struggles, injuries and the plan for Jurickson Profar once Ian Kinsler returns from the disabled list.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Jim Bowden

Jim Bowden joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett for his weekly visit to discuss the Rangers and a potential game-changing trade target for Jon Daniels and company.

Galloway & Company: Neal Cotts

Neal Cotts joins Galloway & Company to discuss pitching for the Rangers.

Galloway & Company: Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan joins Galloway & Company to discuss the latest Rangers news, the mistakes the team has been making and possible trades.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Steve Busby

Steve Busby joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to talk about the Rangers' road trip, surviving an 18-inning game and more.

Galloway & Company: Eric Nadel

Eric Nadel, the radio voice of the Texas Rangers, explains on Galloway & Company the bullpen situation that forced Ron Washington's hand in the Boston finale.

TEAM LEADERS

WINS LEADER
Yu Darvish
WINS ERA SO IP
7 2.84 137 101
OTHER LEADERS
BAA. Beltre .303
HRN. Cruz 18
RBIN. Cruz 48
RA. Beltre 40
OPSA. Beltre .857
ERAY. Darvish 2.84
SOY. Darvish 137

DALLAS CALENDAR