With new slider and added body weight, Hunter Dobbins is 'ready to carry the workload' in 2024
If you go back just three short years ago, Texas Tech pitcher Hunter Dobbins was undergoing Tommy John surgery that would sideline him for his last year in Lubbock.
Even after undergoing surgery, the Red Sox used their 8th round pick in 2021 on the right-hander. Dobbins would wind up making his professional debut for the Red Sox in June of 2022 where he would make 17 starts for the Salem Red Sox in Low-A.
The 2023 season would end being the most important in the Texas native’s young career.
Dobbins came out of the gate with the Greenville Drive and went 4-1 in 7 starts and put up a 2.63 ERA. He struck out 44 batters over 41 innings pitched and only walked 5 batters in that span. The quick success earned him a promotion to Double-A Portland where he would pitch another 71 innings to end the season.
Alongside the healthy and overall successful 2023 season, Dobbins saw his fastball velocity increase and his slider improve drastically to give him a real bat-missing secondary pitch.
Pairing the improved arsenal and 2023 results, Dobbins was selected to participate in the Spring Breakout Game for the Red Sox. It is something he doesn’t take lightly.
“I wouldn’t say that it was on my radar, but when the MLB announced the games, I made it my goal to earn a spot on that roster.” Dobbins told Beyond the Monster. “Now I am just ready to get out there and compete on a bigger stage. It is an honor to share the field with the guys on the roster. I am really looking forward to showcasing what I can do and make some memories with the guys.”
Spring training this year has been very important for Dobbins, as he is teetering that line between being part of the Triple-A roster breaking camp or going back to Double-A. No matter the decision, he has been working on a few things heading into the season.
“I have a new slider that’s going to be a big piece this year” Dobbins added. “Everything is sharper this year so far. My body is also pushing 210, so I’ll be ready to carry the workload I want. My big goal is 150+ innings this season.”
Dobbins set a career high in innings pitched last season when he threw for 112 innings, which is about double his previous career high of 69 innings in 2022.
It is no secret that the Red Sox have added many pitching minded guys to the coaching and development staff this winter with hopes of developing more in-house pitching talent. Dobbins represents a part of the next wave and has already been working with a few of the new pitching minds.
“I’ve been working closely with Justin Willard so far.” Dobbins said. “Breslow is getting a lot of resources in for the minor league guys. So far, I have nothing but positives from the new front office. I think a lot of pitchers will take a few steps forward under these guys.”
