Texas Rangers High-Leverage Reliever Working On New Pitch

Adding to his repertoire.

Texas Rangers reliever Joe Barlow is working on adding a split-finger fastball.

The pitch isn't necessarily new to him, as Barlow reportedly experimented with the pitch back in 2018, when the Rangers brought in former closer Bryan Harvey to teach the pitch to some of the team's younger pitchers.

It's still a work in progress and he'll utilize it this spring along with his fastball, slider and curveball.

However, it's positive news to hear that Barlow is throwing again after he underwent surgery in November to separate a pair of fused tendons in his right wrist.

Barlow served as the Rangers' closer during the first half of the season, converting 13 of 17 save opportunities before he was demoted from the role after struggling a bit. He was soon after placed on the injured list.

The twenty-seven-year-old finished the season with a 3.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts over 35 innings of work.

He'll once again take on a high-leverage role this season.
Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports