Tanner Rainey Not Worried About Velocity
10 months agoWashington Nationals right-hander Tanner Rainey, who returned late last year from Tommy John surgery, had a perfect inning in his Grapefruit League outing on Thursday and threw only nine pitches (six strikes). His fastball topped out at 92 mph, though, which was a bit alarming since he averaged 97 mph on his fastball before his elbow injury. However, the 31-year-old wasn't concerned, pointing out he's never thrown hard in spring training and has no doubts his full velocity will return by the start of the season. Rainey made just one appearance in 2023 and could have a high-leverage role in Washington's bullpen in 2024 if he stays healthy. He might be useful in deep holds leagues, but it's probably going to take an injury to Kyle Finnegan or Hunter Harvey for Rainey to get any save chances for a Nats team that isn't expected to be very good.
Source: MASN Sports - Mark Zuckerman
Source: MASN Sports - Mark Zuckerman