June 28, 2023
Right-handed pitcher Davis Feldman joined the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization earlier this month as a free agent signing. Feldman, who was pitching for Fargo-Moorhead of the Independent American Association to begin his 2023 season was excited to move over to affiliated baseball.
“I’ve worked my whole life for it,” said Feldman. “And after not being drafted and playing in independent baseball for it to come to fruition was obviously very special.”
Feldman’s signing came after he started the year with 29 K’s in his 26 innings with Fargo-Moorhead. While, with the Redhawks’ Feldman had an ERA of 2.42 and a WHIP of 1.04.
Since being signed to the Blue Jays’ organization, Feldman has pitched 10 1/3 innings for Low-A Dunedin.
Feldman has found the transition between Indy ball and affiliated baseball to be a smooth one so far, “It has been good,” stated Feldman. “There’s a lot more data and analytics in affiliated ball. I’m just coming in with an open mind and to learn as much as I can to better myself. But the transition has been smooth – the guys have been awesome, everyone has been awesome. I’m just trying to learn and get better every day.”
Coming to the organization with a five-pitch mix of: a 4-seam fastball, a 2-seam fastball, a slider, a curveball, and a changeup; Feldman discusses how he works off his fastball.
“My fastball has always been my best pitch,” explained Feldman. “So, if I can establish that early, my curveball breaks off of that. The slider and changeup kind of work off each other as well. If I can establish the fastball everything else will play as it should.”
Feldman talks about the difference between his two breaking balls, “It’s two different looks,” Feldman added. “The curveball is more vertical and a little bit slower. The slider has a little more velo, so they give the hitters two different looks.”
Appearing in games as both a starter and a reliever since joining the Blue Jays’ organization, Feldman likes being able to do both roles.
“I like having my own routine and I’m a big competitor so I like having the ball,” explained Feldman. “As a starter I like having my routine and working into the game as much as I can. In the bullpen, I like coming in to shut it down in the late innings, or to save runs from going across the plate if there are guys on base. It’s two different mentalities and I’m fortunate enough that I can do both. The versatility that it brings is really good as well.”
Be sure to follow Davis Feldman’s journey through affiliated baseball.