June 20, 2024
Right-handed pitcher Juaron Watts-Brown is enjoying his time as part of Dunedin’s 6-man rotation. Watts-Brown, who currently pitches every Wednesday really likes the opportunity of working with, and learning from the other starters on the team.
“There’s not much difference between a pro rotation and a college rotation,” said Watts-Brown. “The biggest difference is there’s six different starters here, so you can see what each starter can do to a lineup. How certain pitchers can pick a lineup apart compared to another one because everyone’s arsenal is a little bit different. So, seeing what each starter can do and then kind of learn from each starter as well. I like to take notes on the Tuesday starter, see how they approach a lineup because I’m the next day, seeing what pitches or sequences work against certain batters and kind of use that to my advantage.”
Pitching 53 innings so far in 2024; Watts-Brown has racked up 70 K’s and has a WHIP of 1.26.
He currently uses a four-pitch mix of: a 4-seam fastball, a slider, a curveball, and a changeup.
Watts-Brown’s best pitch is his slider which is currently graded a 60 by MLB Pipeline.
“I’d say my slider is my best off-speed pitch,” explained Watts-Brown. “I’m in the zone the most with the slider. I think my curveball is coming around, I’m starting to use that more early in counts. I throw a slow curveball early in counts, firm early or late in counts.”
Another area Watts-Brown is focusing on this season is his fastball command, “I’m trying to establish the fastball,” stated Watts-Brown. “That was something I didn’t have at times in college was fastball command. I’ve emphasized that this season. When I can land fastballs in the zone, it makes my off-speed pitches better.”
Be sure to follow Juaron Watts-Brown’s progress this season, as he continues to pitch well out of a pro rotation.