Jason Hammel The Next Wade Davis?
6 years agoThe Kansas City Royals have a history of success in converting starting pitchers to relievers, and it looks like Jason Hammel may be next. Hammel was sent to the bullpen on July 8 with a 6.16 ERA, and he's pitched eight innings in short relief since then. Over that period, he's posted a 3.38 ERA with an astounding 1.79 FIP. His K/9 went from 5.80 beforehand to 7.88 since. His walks are down, his ground ball rate is up, and he's throwing his fastballs, sinkers, and sliders 1.5 MPH harder on average. This doesn't mean Hammel is no longer 35 years old or definitely going to become a premiere reliever, but it does mean there's at least a glimmer of hope that his career isn't over. Fantasy owners in holds leagues should keep an eye out. Surprisingly enough, Jason Hammel may become a player to own.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com