Logan Henderson: Brewers' Rising Star Adds a New Weapon to His Arsenal
Logan Henderson, the young pitcher who turned heads with the Milwaukee Brewers last season, is back with something new up his sleeve. At just 23, Henderson made quite the impression in his debut year, showcasing a dazzling 1.78 ERA over a handful of starts.
His ability to strike out batters was on full display during his MLB debut against the Athletics, where he notched nine strikeouts in six innings. Throughout May, he consistently delivered five-inning performances with six or seven strikeouts each time.
However, his promising season was cut short due to an elbow issue, sidelining him for the final eight weeks. Despite this setback, Henderson's talent was undeniable.
His game primarily revolved around his fastball and changeup, which accounted for a hefty 89% of his pitches. Yet, the need for a third pitch was evident-a pitch that could break to his left and complement the natural movement of his other offerings.
Attempts to develop a slider or cutter didn't quite pan out.
Enter the curveball. Inspired by watching Yoshinobu Yamamoto's masterful performance in the NLCS, Henderson decided to revisit a pitch he hadn't thrown since his college days.
According to the Brewers' insiders, Henderson has been diligently working on this curveball during spring training. The early results are promising, with the pitch showing impressive movement, though Henderson is keen on refining his command.
For any starting pitcher, adding a reliable third pitch is a game-changer. For Henderson, the curveball could be the key to elevating his game. It not only provides another tool to keep hitters guessing but also enhances the effectiveness of his fastball and changeup by adding an element of unpredictability.
Brewers fans have plenty to be excited about as Henderson continues to develop. If he can harness this new pitch, the sky's the limit for this young talent.