April 21, 2019
Photo credit: University of Kansas Baseball
Right-handed pitcher Sean Rackoski has been reliable out of the bullpen in the early stages of the Lansing Lugnuts season.
In fact, Rackoski has yet to give up a hit in 2019, and has only allowed three walks so far.
A major component to his success is the fact that Rackoski can throw five different pitches in any given outing, a major plus for a reliever. His advanced repertoire comes from his days as a starter at the University of Kansas.
“Since I was a starter I have five pitches that I work on daily,” explained Rackoski. “When it comes to game situations, I rarely need to use them all as a reliever.”
While, he usually doesn’t need every pitch – he does have multiple ways that he likes to work off his fastballs.
“I work off my fastball a couple different ways,” stated Rackoski. “I mostly work off my sinker that I can follow with a changeup or slider. I’ll work opposite sides of the plate with a 2-seam and 4-seam combination also.”
Hopefully those approaches continue to bring Rackoski a lot of success in 2019. But regardless of any particular outcome, he’ll continue to have fun as a member of the Lugnuts’ bullpen.
“The best part about working out of the bullpen is having the chance to pitch every other game,” said Rackoski. “I like the engagement and the comradery of the guys in the bullpen and the adrenaline rush you get when you’re called into the game.”
Toronto Blue Jays fans will continue to follow Sean Rackoski’s progress this season in Lansing, and for years to come.