Philadelphia Phillies pitcher José Alvarado has found success by adjusting his grip on his cutter pitch. Since returning from the injured list last month, Alvarado had been struggling with his cutter, which made him easier for hitters to predict and hit. However, during a recent game against the Brewers, Alvarado decided to use the cutter again after making a grip adjustment, and it paid off. He recorded two strikeouts using the pitch, showcasing its effectiveness when he has a good feel for it.
Alvarado’s cutter is an important weapon in his repertoire, as he primarily relies on just two pitches. Without the cutter, hitters can sit on his sinker, regardless of its velocity. Catcher J.T. Realmuto confirmed that Alvarado had worked on his grip to improve the pitch, and it looked really good during the game, prompting them to stick with it.
The left-handed reliever had been dominant in the second half of last season and in April of this year. However, he had to spend time on the injured list twice due to elbow inflammation. Although neither Alvarado nor manager Rob Thomson expressed concern about him being hesitant to throw the cutter, it’s natural for such thoughts to linger after dealing with injuries. Alvarado’s confidence in the pitch remains unwavering, saying he has no doubts about it despite not having it at its sharpest due to his ongoing recovery.
The Phillies’ bullpen has been a strength for the team throughout the season, but they need both Alvarado and fellow reliever Seranthony Domínguez to return to form before the postseason. The team has relied heavily on lefty Gregory Soto and closer Craig Kimbrel in the late innings. However, having Alvarado and Domínguez at their best would provide the Phillies with additional options and depth.
To aid in that process, Alvarado made the grip adjustment on his cutter to regain its effectiveness. The Phillies are hopeful that both he and Domínguez will round into form before the playoffs. In the meantime, the team has adjusted its rotation to give starter Zack Wheeler a shorter rest period between outings. Wheeler has performed better with less rest, so the rotation change aims to maximize his performance.
Trea Turner, the Phillies’ recent acquisition, continued his hitting streak, extending it to 14 games with an infield single. He has been in fine form lately, hitting in 25 of the last 27 games. Turner is also among a select group of players since 2008 who have started a season with over 25 stolen bases without getting caught.
The Phillies’ decision to start Cristian Pache over Johan Rojas in center field was based on their different performances against left-handed pitchers. Although neither player had previously faced Brewers starter Wade Miley, Pache had a better track record against lefties. The decision to start Pache didn’t yield much success in that particular game, as he went 0-for-1 with two walks.
Looking ahead, Taijuan Walker is scheduled to start for the Phillies in their game against the San Diego Padres, with Rich Hill as the opposing pitcher. The Phillies continue to fine-tune their lineup and pitching rotation as they strive to secure a spot in the playoffs.
In conclusion, Jose Alvarado’s grip adjustment on his cutter has proved successful for the Philadelphia Phillies. It has given the team hope that both he and Seranthony Domínguez will regain their top form in the bullpen as they approach the postseason. The Phillies also made changes in their rotation to maximize the performance of starter Zack Wheeler. Trea Turner’s hitting streak continues, showcasing his impact since joining the team. As the season progresses, the Phillies are focused on optimizing their lineup and pitching to secure a playoff berth.
