Thoughts On Colorado Rockies’ Reliever Rex Brothers’ Release Points

Jul 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher

(49) delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field. The Rockies won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies’ formerly lights-out lefty reliever is struggling to throw strikes, and based on some of his release points, I don’t know why. 

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OK, so Colorado Rockies’ relief pitcher Rex Brothers still can’t really throw strikes, and he’s discussed as much talking to Dargan Southard of MLB.com recently when going over his struggles on the mound. In three appearances with the Rockies since being recalled July 11 from AAA Albuquerque, he’s walked four hitters in 2.2 innings which, given Brothers’ history, is concerning.

Manager Walt Weiss spoke to Southard about Brothers’ struggles, saying:

"“He hasn’t changed much mechanically. It’s just a matter of going out there and having the confidence to throw his fastball for strikes. His slider has always been a putaway [pitch] — guys don’t hit it. So it’s more about the fastball command.”"

At least regarding that mechanical part, Weiss is probably correct — and even Brothers acknowledged he felt good about how the ball was coming out of his hand:

"“As far as results go, obviously, they’re not what I want. Not that you’re not concerned with results, but I know how I feel. I know how the ball is coming out of my hand, so I know that the [results will] come. I can say that with total confidence, knowing that I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum in a relatively short amount of time.”"

Let’s talk about that ball coming out of Brothers’ hand, though; has he changed anything mechanically that would be betraying him on the mound in Denver now?

BrooksBaseball.net is a phenomenal website for those seeking more technical information about baseball, including exact pitch locations, speeds, movement, and release points. I went there to get a little more information about Brothers, so I looked up his outings on July 11, July 12, and July 21.

Next: July 11 vs the Atlanta Braves