November 25, 2022
Right-handed pitcher Alejandro Melean mastered his inside fastball this off-season while playing in the Venezuelan Winter League.
“In the winter season I learned a lot to master the inside fastball,” explained Melean. “It helped me a lot because it makes my secondary pitches more lethal. It is something I will be able to use next year.”
All of this happened after a breakout 2022 season that saw Melean pitch in High-A and Double-A.
Pitching 62 innings in 2022; Melean fanned 59 batters and maintained a WHIP of 1.15.
Melean talks about the differences between High-A and Double-A, “The difference was that the hitters are more selective and the strike zone is smaller,” Melean said of the jump to Double-A. “That’s why it’s important to get ahead in counts.”
The righty likes to set a line with his 4-seam fastball, “I get a lot out of the straight line in the upper zone,” said Melean. “It has worked a lot for me.”
And once the line is established, Melean works in his off-speed pitches which are: a slider and a changeup.
Melean really likes how his slider tunnels off of his 4-seamer.
“My slider tunnels well off my fastball,” stated Melean. “This is effective when a straight line is in place.”
Be sure to follow Alejandro Melean’s progress next season, as he uses his inside fastball more in the Blue Jays’ system.