May 19, 2019
Photo credit: Nick Wagner
Prospect Andy McGuire is making the transition to just pitching in 2019. McGuire, who worked out of the bullpen, as well as playing a little first base last season in Bluefield made the decision to just focus on pitching this season during spring training.
“I met with Gil Kim during spring training and we decided for now to just focus on my pitching,” said McGuire. “Spring training would’ve been hard to get reps at both and it’s a little easier to move around as a relief pitcher. I’ve enjoyed it so far.”
And pitching suited McGuire well last season, as the righty held batters to just an opponent batting average of .184 – to go with a WHIP of 1.03, and 22 strikeouts in his 23 1/3 innings of work in Bluefield.
His great numbers on the mound comes from the command he has of his three pitches. Currently using a mix of a 2-seam sinking fastball, a slider, and a changeup; McGuire admits that his changeup is relatively new to his repertoire.
“The changeup has been a pitch I’ve developed as of late,” stated McGuire. “While, it’s relatively new, I like what I’ve got right now.”
But McGuire like to use more than just his changeup, as he states that he also likes to be aggressive with his sinker and slider early in counts for early contact.
“I’m looking for contact early,” explained McGuire. “If I know I’ve got a guy who’s hunting fastball in, I may start him out early with an off-speed and work outer half to keep him guessing. I work quickly.”
Toronto Blue Jays fans will want to keep an eye out for Andy McGuire, as he’ll be making his 2019 debut soon with one of their affiliate clubs.