January 8, 2024
Right-handed pitcher Trevor Clifton has transitioned to the bullpen since returning to pro ball a year ago.
“I kind of knew I’d be a bullpen arm going back into baseball,” stated Clifton. “I was out of the game for so long and giving up those innings from a prospect was kind of unrealistic. So, it was being realistic with yourself. I didn’t think I’d like it that much but as the season went on I loved that I could get in the game on any day at any time.”
Pitching 14 innings for Double-A New Hampshire last season; Clifton finished the year with 15 K’s and a WHIP of 1.21.
Clifton used a four-pitch mix of a 4-seam fastball, a 2-seam fastball, a slider, and a changeup; a year ago.
The Blue Jays’ have been in talks with Clifton about adding a cutter to his repertoire for 2024.
“Last year I relied on my slider a lot,” said Clifton. “This off-season me and the Blue Jays’ have talked and they want me to add a cutter, so I’ve been working on that to add to the arsenal.”
Adding a cutter should be easy for Clifton as he threw one in 2019 when he pitched for the Iowa Cubs.
“I lost the feel to spin the ball in 2019, so I relied on a cutter that wasn’t very good but it got me outs late in my Cubs career,” Clifton added. “I didn’t have a slider when I was with the Cubs, I threw a curveball, but now that I can spin something it makes playing off the cutter that much easier. It opens up different scenarios and sequences.”
Be sure to follow Trevor Clifton, as he uses his cutter this season in the Blue Jays’ system.