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Kelsey Ward Enjoying his New Role

Kelsey Ward Enjoying his New Role

November 3, 2022

Photo credit: Embry-Riddle Athletics

Left-handed pitcher Kelsey Ward got a brief taste of pro ball in 2022. Ward, who joined the Dunedin Blue Jays in August was able to make four relief appearances before the end of the season.

In his 5 2/3 innings of work, Ward recorded 6 K’s and maintained a WHIP of 1.59.

While he worked out of the bullpen for the D-Jays – the role is relatively new to him, “Coming out of the bullpen wasn’t something I was really used to,” explained Ward. “I made a couple bullpen appearances in college but I was mostly a starter. I like being able to come out and empty the tank for an inning or two. You’re not turning over the lineup, so you can go out there and show them all of your pitches.”

And Ward has several choices on the mound as he currently uses five-pitches in his repertoire.

Using a mix of two fastballs (a 4-seam and a 2-seam), two breaking balls (a slider and a curveball), and a changeup is working well for Ward.

The lefty tries to get ahead in counts with his 4-seamer every outing.

“I try to get ahead in counts with my fastball as I feel it’s my best pitch,” said Ward. “I can throw it up-and-down and in-and-out to generate weak contact and set up my off-speed pitches.”

Ward is happy with the development of his off-speed pitches, too, “I definitely love my slider,” explained Ward. “I feel it’s my best off-speed pitch. I’ve only been throwing it for the last year and a half and it’s my best pitch. My curveball, I feel I can throw it in any count to steal a strike in a sense. And my changeup keeps getting better the more I throw it.”

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