WATCH: Astros Luis Garcia Debuts New Windup Due To Pitch Clock

March 01, 2023

Houston Astros pitcher Luis Garcia is adjusting well to MLB's new rule changes for the 2023 season.

His signature "rock the baby" windup is now prohibited due to MLB's new pitch clock rules, which has forced Garcia to adjust his central timing mechanism.

However, if his performance on Tuesday against the New York Mets is any indication, the adjustment shouldn't be an issue for him in 2023. Garcia threw a pair of scoreless innings and struck out four batters while only allowing one hit. He ditched his signature move in favor of a more direct path towards home plate.

Garcia said he struggled initially with his new delivery but believes he has found his delivery moving forward. He expects to make one more Grapefruit League start before joining Team Venezuela for the World Baseball Classic, where he'll be managed by Astros first base coach Omar Lopez and play alongside Jose Altuve.

In his Tuesday outing, Garcia faced the pitch clock for the first time and definitely felt its impact. He got ahead 0-2 against Mark Canha but had to throw a fastball down the middle due to running out of time. Nonetheless, he threw his hardest pitch of the game, with 21 of his 30 pitches thrown for a strike and averaging 94.8 MPH on his fastball.

Garcia projects to be a crucial member of Houston's pitching staff once again in 2023 after earning 28 starts in each of the last two seasons.

Despite finishing second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2021, he took a slight step back last season, posting a 3.72 ERA compared to his 3.48 ERA in 2021.

It will be very intriguing to see how he fares with the new pitch clock this season. Photo Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports



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