A Blog of Toronto Blue Jays Prospects Interviews, Evaluations and News

T.J. Brock Uses Velocity to his Advantage

T.J. Brock Uses Velocity to his Advantage

July 6, 2023

(Photo credit: Brendan Maloney / Chronicle)

Right-handed pitcher T.J. Brock likes to use his velocity to his advantage. Brock, who has a fastball that flirts with 100 mph at times explains how he uses that velocity every outing.

“Having the velocity works to my advantage,” explained Brock. “It allows you to make your misses just a little bit bigger, but also at the same time you don’t want to have those misses. Sometimes it does hurt you when you have a really good hitter, and you need to get it up and it’s more middle. The velocity will help you beat the bat or get weak contact and get an out – whereas if it’s slower they would hit it a lot harder.”

Currently working with a two-pitch mix of: a 4-seam fastball and a slider; Brock talks about how he works off his fastball.

“I try to throw it at the top of the zone and let my velocity and metrics on the ball ride,” stated Brock. “And then I establish the fastball – throw it in the zone, throw it for strikes, and throw it hard, so I can throw the slider off of that.”

“I feel my slider tunnels well off my fastball,” Brock added. “It tunnels well after a strike.”

Pitching 31 innings so far this season; Brock has racked up 47 K’s and has a WHIP of 1.23 between High-A and Double-A.

Working exclusively out of the bullpen, Brock likes the pressure of his relief role, “I like coming in when the game is on the line,” said Brock. “I like high pressure situations, I like the anxiety; I feel pressure makes diamonds or crushes you – and I like diamonds.”

Be sure to follow T.J. Brock, as he continues to use his velocity to his advantage.