WooSox lefty Joe Jacques proving to be reliable AAA bullpen option
Any time a pitcher can get into high leverage spots consistently in AAA, it will only benefit them to get the heart rate going and be ready for situations in the majors. That is exactly what Joe Jacques has been receiving in Worcester this season.
“He has been extremely reliable.” WooSox manager Chad Tracy said postgame on Thursday. “I used him back-to-back tonight because we were trying to grab a win.”
It seems that Jacques has earned his new manager’s trust in his first month in the Red Sox organization. Jacques was selected in the Minor League phase of the Rule 5 Draft after spending the past five season in the Pirates organization.
“He throws strikes and has heavy action on that two-seam.” Tracy added. “We feel if he uses his pitches the right way, he can get right handers out too. He is also working on that changeup with Abbott to help him go both ways and get right handers out consistently.”
The results have been getting better for Jacques the more he pitches. Jacques has gone seven straight scoreless outings, and has only given up a run in three of his eleven outings.
“When you are in the zone that much with the sinker, you are going to get plenty of ground balls.” Tracy noted about his new pitch. “For us right now, we are going with guys who have been extremely good and reliable for us in those spots and he has been awesome.”
The 28-year-old lefty talked about his new sinker earlier in the season and gave a quick update on how it’s currently being handled by opposing hitters.
“I have been relying on it a ton.” Jacques noted about his sinker. “It seems like nobody is really squaring it up right now and I have been going to it when needed.”
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