'He is trending in the right way': WooSox starter showing positive signs in rotation
Brian Van Belle is nine starts into his Triple-A career. While his ERA might not show it, the right-hander has shown flashes since his promotion to Worcester. As we have seen with other pitchers on the Worcester roster, just a few bad outings can really have a downward effect on stats. The Triple-A learning curve is also worth noting, as we have seen Shane Drohan and others go through this already this season.
WooSox manager Chad Tracy has noticed these flashes and knows how good his stuff can be if he is in the zone.
“He has been really good.” Tracy said of Van Belle. “If we can keep the ball in the ballpark, we have something good. He struck out seven of the first nine guys in the Scranton game he faced. He struck out nine in that game, but he had three balls that went over the fence that cost him four or five runs and we had to go get him. He struck out 7 more in Rochester. All of sudden we have a guy with not plus velocity that is showing the ability to get swing and miss with a cutter and a breaking ball and with a changeup that is coming along nicely. If he is able to continue to do that and keep the ball in the yard, I think he has a chance.”
The swing and miss stuff has been on display over Van Belle’s last four outings. He has generated 50 swings and misses over those starts. During his time in Worcester, Van Belle has the highest K/9 he has had in his Red Sox tenure since he was in college at 9.6.
“He throws strikes and goes out there and attacks the strike zone.” Tracy added. “He is trending in the right way and its cool to see that happen because that’s part of the game. You have to generate some swings and misses and get guys to hit that ball weakly and he has had some good ones lately.
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