April 27, 2019
Photo credit: Tanya Wright
Right-handed pitcher Will McAffer has been effective in the later innings of ball games for the low-A Lansing Lugnuts.
In fact, McAffer hasn’t allowed a run yet in his 9 2/3 innings of work. Factor that in with his opponent batting average of just .143 and his WHIP of 1.34, and it would appear that McAffer is on pace for a great season.
What makes McAffer effective is the way he mixes up his four pitches. Currently using a fastball, a cutter, a curveball, and a changeup in his repertoire; McAffer talks about how he works in his pitches every outing.
“I like to throw my fastball a lot,” explained McAffer. “I throw it a lot early in counts, but also to expand the zone late. I use my cutter and changeup to keep guys off my fastball, while using my curveball to put guys away.”
And putting guys away is something that McAffer has done a lot of for the Lugnuts’ so far in 2019, as he’s currently sitting on 15 strikeouts for the season.
Obviously, the righty will be looking to add more K’s before the conclusion of his season out of the bullpen.
And like most relievers, McAffer enjoys the opportunity of pitching more frequently out of the bullpen.
“I like that you always have to be ready in the bullpen,” said McAffer. “It locks you into the action more. It makes you learn the other teams hitters, so when you’re called into the game, you already know what to throw to guys.”
But McAffer wants to achieve more this season than just great numbers, as he hopes to strengthen his pitches in 2019, too.
“My main baseball goal is improving command and consistency of my pitches,” said McAffer. “I have been working really hard on this throughout the off-season and spring training, and I will continue to do so throughout the season.”
Be sure to follow Will McAffer’s progression this season as a member of the Lansing Lugnuts bullpen.