May 1, 2026
Right-handed pitcher Pat Gallagher has made an adjustment to his delivery since joining Triple-A Buffalo.
Beginning the change, as a member of the Development List, Gallagher talks about the adjustment he has made to his delivery.
“We worked on some things mechanically,” said Gallagher. “In those two weeks, we worked on getting me into a position where my shoulders are tilted up a little bit and to really load my upper half.”
Focusing a lot on velocity since turning pro in 2022, the righty feels this adjustment is helping in that area.
“I think it has helped a lot,” Gallagher added. “When I’m out there pitching, I’m going to compete, but there are things to work on outside of the game. It has worked, and it feels good.”
Pitching 4 1/3 innings so far in 2026; Gallagher has 3 K’s, a WHIP of 1.15, and an ERA of 2.08.
The prospect is still using his five-pitch repertoire of: a 4-seam fastball, a sinker, a cutter, a curveball, and a splitter in 2026.
Gallagher feels some of his pitches are better metrically since joining Triple-A.
“Overall, yes, I’m using the same pitches, some are a little better metrically now,” explained Gallagher. “We’re also working on some mechanical fixes now, too. We’re hoping to add a couple ticks to the velo.”
Increasing velo has been a continual focus for Gallagher in pro ball.
“It has been an up-and-down journey for me,” stated Gallagher. “I think there have been seasons and times where it has gone up. But what I think makes me a good pitcher is my ability to get guys out, and my ability to win the mental game. I strive to be efficient out there and give the team more than two innings.”
Gallagher is incorporating his secondary pitches more early in counts since joining Triple-A.
“You got to get ahead, you have to stay ahead, and you have to mix in your secondary pitches early,” stated Gallagher. “With the guys you face at this level, you sometimes have to pitch backwards. You just have to realize that they can make adjustments faster than at Double-A. So, sometimes you can’t double up on a pitch, they’re able to make an adjustment where they can take a bad swing and turn it into a good swing. It’s important to be able to adapt and win the mental side.”
Currently in his second season of bullpen work, Gallagher is enjoying his new role.
“Yeah, I love coming out of the bullpen,” explained Gallagher. “I love that adrenaline dump I get when the coach calls my name, just being able to get ready soon and go in the game. That was something I had to get used to last year but I like it a lot.”
Being in Triple-A for a month, Gallagher talks about the transition it took to make the jump up from Double-A.
“It has been a little bit of an adjustment,” said Gallagher. “These hitters have very good approaches at the plate. They don’t swing at stuff out of the zone, so it’s about being ahead early. It’s the same game but its about putting guys away in the zone and locating your pitches very well.”
Getting a brief taste of major league camp this spring, Gallagher gained some valuable insight on bullpen preparation.
“I was able to pick guys brains in the bullpen,” stated Gallagher. “I’m trying to maximize who I am as a pitcher. I’m trying to continue to grow as a pitcher, so it was good to pick their brains, see how they prepare in the bullpen, their routines, when they start stretching; things like that. I was able to learn a lot.”
Now that Gallagher is only one call away from the show, he’s trying to keep everything in perspective, as a member of Buffalo’s bullpen.
“The goal is always to make it to the next level,” explained Gallagher. “But my goal is to be dominant here, to be present here, and to continue to grow as a pitcher. I’m trying to get these guys out and help my team win. That’s my goal for the season.”
Be sure to follow Pat Gallagher, as he continues to pitch well with his new mechanics.