June 5, 2023
Left-handed pitcher Ian Churchill is continuing to impress with Low-A Dunedin in 2023.
Returning to Dunedin after pitching 12 innings with the D-Jays’ a year ago finishing the season with a WHIP of 0.92 and an opposing batting average of just .150; Churchill has picked right up where he left off in 2022.
Pitching 18 1/3 innings so far this season; Churchill has a WHIP of 1.25 and opposing hitters are only managing a stingy .161 average against him in 2023.
Churchill isn’t afraid to go after hitters, “I try to go after guys and I try to be an overall competitor,” explained Churchill. “I feel that is the best aspect of my game. My job as a reliever is to come in during bigger moments and hold guys where they are – and throw zeros.”
Working mostly fastball and changeup a year ago, Churchill is working his slider into games more frequently this season.
“I’ve been working a lot at throwing my slider more,” stated Churchill. “Last season, I was definitely fastball and changeup – and I had success. Being able to add a third pitch that goes the other way from my other two pitches has been helpful. I’ve had some success using it this year and I’m going to continue to use the slider.”
And Churchill has noticed a common theme with the hitters in the Florida State League.
“I’ve noticed that every organization has a similar approach,” Churchill said of the FSL. “Maybe as you go up, you’ll see guys make an approach of what they like and what they don’t. I think guys get kind of surprised in Low-A if they see a juicy fastball – they’ll pretty much always swing.”
Be sure to follow Ian Churchill’s progress this season, and for years to come.