On the topic of velocity, Hicks’ splitter sat in the 88-89 mph range on Sunday against the Padres. Last season, Hicks’ splitter clocked in at 84.3 mph. Of the 373 splitters that Hicks threw last season, only eight were thrown at least 88 mph.
Sasaki, best known for his velocity and signature splitter, showed off both. His heater averaged 98 mph and topped out at 99.3 mph; his splitter, meanwhile, generated seven whiffs on eight swings taken against it. 98 MPH filth ... Our Latest MLBStories ... .
Orioles pitching coach DrewFrench approached him about testing out his splitter, a pitch he’s “messed with” in the past that’s never been picked up by Statcast ... “This spring, I have tinkered with that a little bit,” Kittredge said of the splitter.