WooSox closer AJ Politi 'stronger' after solid 2023 season
If you are trying to look at any of the stats of pitchers in Triple-A this season, you might be surprised. The overall numbers are up due to the automated strike system and shrunken strike zones.
Nevertheless, AJ Politi has had a fairly solid season for the WooSox.
“I have been a little up and down.” Politi said to Beyond the Monster. “A lot of good moments and pushed through quite a few bad moments. It is good to learn from the down moments. I had a lot different role than last year so it was good to learn. It was a good learning year to have a different role than last year and being able to go out there and compete every time.”
Politi had quite the interesting offseason after being selected in the Rule 5 Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. He had to ramp up a lot quicker and was throwing more than ever before due to being in Spring Training with a new team trying to make the roster. With all that in mind, Politi has quietly put up a solid 2023 campaign for the WooSox.
“I don’t look too far into stats.” Politi said. “For me being in the position I was in closing out games this had my only thought was that the team came out with the victory and not my ERA. It was a little bit different than last year, coming in the fifth or sixth inning. Every inning is high leverage but coming in those innings was a little different if you gave up a run, its not the end of the world. Compare that if you give up a run in a tie game in the ninth it feels way worse.”
After Kaleb Ort was the main closer in Worcester last season, Politi took the reins on the closer role in 2023 and has led the team in saves for most of the season.
“It’s been awesome.” Politi added. “There is nothing better than the feeling of coming in for your team with a lead in the ninth and coming out with a victory. On the flip side, I had to learn what happens when you don’t come out with the win. That was a big difference where I wasn’t used to walking into the clubhouse with a blown save. It is more mentally draining than you think. I think it was great to learn from that and be in that situation. It helps you get stronger in pitching and makes you focus a little more. Last year was a little less grueling throwing two innings and having a few days off compared to you need to get hot every single night. Getting that experience was awesome and that is something you need to learn for the big leagues when you get thrown into the fire every single day.”
Politi leads the team with 14 saves and has been the good side of things more often than not. After a solid 2023 season, the 27-year-old already has a plan in mind on how to approach the offseason.
“The main thing is just getting healthy.” Politi said. “I have dealt with a few injuries this year that I have pushed through. They have made it a little taxing. I have tried to push through it and finish the season as strong as I could. It’s just getting my arm healthy again and back to 100% and getting back in the pitching lab and working on my pitches to get them back to where they should be.”
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