Ryan Zeferjahn 'got himself back together' while on DEV list; Using 'bulldog' mentality while throwing 100 MPH
Teams seem to use the Development List in minor league baseball for a couple of reasons. One reason is simply for roster purposes as some teams might not want to cut a player but simply have too many bodies at a certain level.
The second reason would be if a player is really struggling. This is what the DEV list was made for and it gives a player time to get themselves right and not be released for having a bad stretch.
Worcester Red Sox pitcher Ryan Zeferjahn is a perfect example of why the DEV list is a useful tool and works for teams. Zeferjahn was added to the DEV list on June 26th and activated on July 5th. In his three outings since he came off the list, he has been lights out and even mixed in his best outing of the year, a clutch four out save.
“I came off the DEV list after nine days where I worked on some things and got myself back together.” Zeferjahn said. “It showed the outing before against Syracuse when I came back and threw well. When I came in against Rochester, it was first and third with two outs. Coming into those situations, you want to get out of that situation for the guy in front of you that came out. When I came in, it was a different mentality, it was more of a bulldog instead of the mellow, chill guy I usually am. I wanted to get after the guy and went out and struck out the guy in the 8th inning and went back out in the 9th and did the same thing. I didn’t want to let up at all and had to know I had better stuff, and I am going to take that mindset going forward.”
While the results since coming back speak from themselves on the success of working on things, what exactly does a pitcher do when doing that?
“Just getting myself back on track.” Zeferjahn of how he spent his time. “It wasn’t anything specific but to just get a break physically and mentally to get myself back together. It helped me refine my mechanics and pitches again. I threw three bullpens and they all felt good. It has translated over to the games so far. It is never good to be on the DEV list, but what I took from it was the best I could’ve taken from it, so I am happy with the time spent while I was on it.”
Zeferjahn is one of the hardest throwers in the Red Sox system, as he is consistently hitting 100 MPH on the radar gun each time he takes the mound. The biggest setback has always been consistency and ability to throw strikes.
“It is definitely not the end all be all.” Zeferjahn said of throwing hard. “I have always had the velocity, but it is just about throwing strikes. I know that no matter how hard it is, it just needs to be in the zone. The more I am in the zone, the more the velocity will come because I am confident and in fluid motion in my mechanics. The velocity does tick up when you are on the mound in the 9th inning and the crowd is going. I have to be able to stay in control and not let it get away when that does happen. It is cool that I have that in my back pocket when I need it.”
Pitchers are used in all kinds of situations in minor league ball, and that exposure to different situations will only guide them to have better success once they do get that eventual call to the majors.
“I have been in about every situation this year.” Zeferjahn said. “I have even started a game this year. I just want to go out there and be consistent because it is the same game no matter when you pitch. If I get called up, I am not going to be taking Kenley Jansen’s job. That is just not the reality of it. You won’t be going up to take an MLB closer’s job. You have to be able to come in other situations and know the difference in the game at that time. I think it’s great to get my feet wet in other situations while I am here in Triple-A.”
