WATCH: Matthew Boyd details his pitch mix |
Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd spoke with Elise Menaker from Mesa, Ariz. to discuss his pitch mix he uses on the mound and how he utilizes his arsenal.
Watch the interview below:
Video summary/cliff-notes
(00:00 - 00:30) Introduction & Return from Injury:
Matthew Boyd discusses his return to the MLB after Tommy John surgery.
Reflects on his journey, rehabbing for over 420 days before making a successful comeback.
(00:30 - 01:30) Rehabilitation Process:
Trained independently, sometimes throwing to high school catchers.
Took ownership of his rehab process, with support from his family and trainers.
(01:30 - 03:30) Adjustments to Pitch Mix Post-Surgery:
Before surgery, he primarily relied on a slider-changeup mix.
Post-recovery, he returned to a changeup-slider approach, refining his mechanics.
Struggled with consistency in 2023 before fully regaining command.
(03:30 - 04:55) Importance of Mechanics & Feel:
Emphasizes using his whole body as a catapult rather than relying solely on arm strength.
Subtle differences in mechanics impact pitch effectiveness, even if they look the same.
Confidence in adjusting to different game situations is key.
(05:15 - 06:40) Fastball & Changeup Mechanics:
Throws a four-seam fastball with a lower arm slot, giving it a unique movement.
His changeup is a two-seamer that he throws with a fastball mindset for better deception.
(07:04 - 08:31) Evolution of His Changeup Grip:
Learned a seam-shifted wake changeup while with the Giants but believes over-tinkering contributed to injury.
Now focuses on maintaining a similar wrist position across pitches for deception.
(08:31 - 09:53) Slider Mechanics & Feel:
Uses a loose grip and emphasizes a snapping wrist motion for late movement.
Prefers a slower, more controlled slider with depth rather than overpowering velocity.
(10:19 - 11:44) Curveball Philosophy & Development:
Introduced the curveball more last season to add another speed change.
Recommends young pitchers master the changeup before learning breaking balls.
(12:13 - 13:02) Two-Seam Fastball Strategy:
Uses it against lefties and inside to righties to create subtle movement differences.
Not a dominant sinker but effective in disrupting hitters’ timing.
(13:02 - 14:26) Adjusting to Hitters & Game Situations:
Observes hitter tendencies and adjusts his pitch mix accordingly.
Sees pitching as a chess match, constantly making adjustments based on a batter’s reaction.
Stresses knowing what makes him effective and sticking to his strengths.
