July 19, 2024
Right-handed pitcher Eric Pardinho is putting up solid numbers from the bullpen for Triple-A Buffalo. It’s a welcomed sight from Pardinho, who was once a Top-10 prospect in the organization, prior to needing Tommy John surgery and a lengthy recovery to get back on the mound.
“At first when they turned me into a reliever I didn’t really like it because I had been a starter my whole life,” stated Pardinho. “But I understand that I had been in rehab for a long time, so at first it was a little tough but I kind of like it now.”
Pitching 34 1/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A in 2024; Pardinho has racked up 47 K’s and opposing hitters are only batting .183 against him.
He’s currently using a four-pitch mix of: a 4-seam fastball, a slider, a curveball, and a splitter; Pardinho talks about how he uses his fastball early in counts.
“I always try to mix it up with my breaking balls, so I can trust all of my stuff,” explained Pardinho. “Sometimes early in counts I’ll throw my fastball and mix it up and other times I’ll start breaking ball away and then surprise them with my heater.”
The righty feels his off-speed pitches are much improved in 2024, “They’re way better than a year ago,” Pardinho added. “After surgery, I kind of changed all of my stuff, I used to throw a changeup and now I’m throwing a splitter. My slider is different too, it used to be slower and now it’s more faster and sharper. My curveball isn’t being used as much right now but I changed my grip on that pitch too.”
Be sure to follow Eric Pardinho’s progress in Buffalo, as he continues to work towards a major league call-up.