November 29, 2022
Right-handed pitcher Anders Tolhurst took part in the Arizona Fall League in 2022. Tolhurst, who was a 2019 draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays’ has battled injuries and he was finally able to debut this summer – and the AFL offered him a chance to log additional innings before next season.
Pitching 15 1/3 innings for Salt River this fall; Tolhurst fanned 16 batters and had a WHIP of 1.63.
Tolhurst learned how to pitch better with runners on base while playing for Salt River.
“One of the main takeaways was learning how to be better with base runners,” explained Tolhurst. “I struggled with being quick to the plate and was unaware of how much it affected the game. Once I made a simple change it was a lot easier holding runners on and be quick to the plate.”
Facing hitters with a disciplined approach was another benefit of his AFL experience.
“The main thing I noticed was how disciplined they were,” Tolhurst said of the AFL hitters. “Most of the hitters would take pitches you normally have guys swing at. You had to have a plus pitch to strike guys out.”
Currently using a three-pitch mix of: a 4-seam fastball, a slider, and a cutter in his repertoire; Tolhurst is hoping to add a fourth pitch this off-season for future success at higher levels.
“I’m working on being able to maintain mobility and strength,” stated Tolhurst. “I’m also going to work on having a fourth pitch. It’s nice having a real off-season to work on things that will help you become successful for next year.”
Be sure to follow Anders Tolhurst next season, as he builds off his AFL experience with one of the Blue Jays’ affiliates.