January 28, 2017
Jackson Lowery has made multiple adjustments to his pitches since turning pro. (J.T. Wampler)
Utilizing his skills to their fullest potential, right-handed pitcher Jackson Lowery has made the necessary adjustments needed to extend his professional career for years to come.
One of the biggest adjustments that Lowery made was developing a changeup after turning professional in 2015.
“I didn’t throw a changeup in college, so my coaches and teammates in pro ball have helped me a lot with the pitch,” stated Lowery. “It’s a work in progress, but hopefully it’ll get better soon.”
Developing a quality changeup will be vital for Lowery to keep hitters off-balance, as he mainly relies on his 4-seam fastball, and 2-seam fastball to get outs.
Relying on release points with his fastball, Lowery discusses how he uses this skill every outing to work in his other pitches.
“I think release points is the most important thing,” explained Lowery. “If I’m able to get my fastball to my glove side, I can work in my other pitches. If I get extension on the glove side, or in on lefties I can get extension on my other pitches.”
Another big adjustment for Lowery was sharpening his slider last season in Lansing.
Discussing the changes that Lowery made in Lansing, Blue Jays Pitching Coordinator Jeff Ware talks about Lowery’s adjustment with the breaking ball in 2016.
“Jackson Lowery did a great job last season,” stated Ware. “He came in, and his slider was a little big. We tightened it up for him and he had some really nice outings since the change. He’s always on attack pounding the strike zone. Jackson is a really aggressive pitcher and I believe that really helps him on the mound.”
All of these adjustments to his pitches showed in his 35 1/3 innings pitched amongst the three Blue Jays ‘A’ affiliates last year.
Maintaining an impressive 1.13 WHIP, and a respectable 8.7 K/9 ratio showed the progression Lowery has made with his pitches in pro ball.
Hoping to get more out of Lowery in 2017, the Blue Jays assigned the prospect to the Canberra Cavalry of the Australian Baseball League this winter.
Allowing 12 earned runs in 13 2/3 innings in the ABL hasn’t been completely ideal for Lowery. But his experience there will be more beneficial than the numbers indicate.
Lowery will be putting this extra experience on display this spring, as he tries to earn another promotion out of spring training.
Blue Jays fans will definitely be on the lookout for Jackson Lowery in 2017, as he continues to be an excellent bullpen option in the system for years to come.