Dallas Keuchel is a well-known Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, who has had a successful career spanning over a decade. Known for his unique pitching style, Keuchel has developed a reputation as a ground ball pitcher.
We will explore Keuchel’s pitching style, his ground ball rates, and his success as a ground ball pitcher. We will also discuss the importance of being a ground ball pitcher and how it can impact a pitcher’s career. So, let’s dive in and explore the question: Is Dallas Keuchel a ground ball pitcher?
Keuchel’s Pitching Style
Dallas Keuchel’s pitching style is characterized by his ability to induce ground balls, which is largely due to his repertoire of pitches. Keuchel primarily relies on a sinker and slider, which are both designed to be low in the strike zone and induce ground balls.
Keuchel’s sinker is a two-seam fastball that has significant movement, making it difficult for batters to get good contact on the ball. It typically ranges in velocity from the high-80s to the low-90s, which is not particularly fast compared to other MLB pitchers.
However, it’s the movement and location of the pitch that makes it effective. The sinker is thrown low in the zone, which makes it difficult for batters to lift the ball in the air, leading to ground ball outs.
According to Statcast, Keuchel’s sinker has an average spin rate of 1,772 RPM and a ground ball rate of 62.3%, which is significantly higher than the league average.
Keuchel’s slider is another pitch he relies on to induce ground balls. Unlike his sinker, which is thrown with two fingers on the ball, Keuchel’s slider is thrown with his fingers spread out across the seams.
This grip helps to create lateral movement on the ball, causing it to break away from right-handed batters and in towards left-handed batters.
Keuchel’s slider ranges in velocity from the mid-80s to the low-90s, depending on the situation. Similar to his sinker, Keuchel’s slider is thrown low in the zone, which makes it difficult for batters to hit it in the air.
According to Statcast, Keuchel’s slider has an average spin rate of 1,563 RPM and a ground ball rate of 59.8%, which is also higher than the league average.
Overall, Keuchel’s pitching style is built around inducing ground balls, which he achieves with his sinker and slider.
Both of these pitches are designed to be low in the zone and have significant movement, making it difficult for batters to lift the ball in the air.
As a result, Keuchel has been able to maintain a high ground ball rate throughout his career, leading to his success as a ground ball pitcher.
Keuchel’s Ground Ball Rates
Dallas Keuchel’s ground ball rates are a key aspect of his pitching success, and he has consistently maintained a high ground ball rate throughout his career. Let’s take a closer look at Keuchel’s ground ball rates over time.
Career Ground Ball Rates:
Keuchel’s career ground ball rate is 57.4%, which is significantly higher than the league average of around 43%.
Keuchel has led the league in ground ball rate multiple times throughout his career, including in 2014, 2015, and 2017.
Keuchel’s ground ball rate has consistently been above 50% every season he has pitched in the majors.
Recent Ground Ball Rates:
In recent years, Keuchel’s ground ball rate has remained high. In 2020, he had a ground ball rate of 58.6%, which was higher than the league average of 43.3%.
In 2021, Keuchel’s ground ball rate has dipped slightly to 52.2%, but it’s still above the league average.
Overall, Keuchel’s ground ball rates have been consistently high throughout his career, which is a testament to his ability to induce ground balls with his pitches.
Keuchel’s ground ball rates are significantly higher than the league average, which is a clear indication of his effectiveness as a ground ball pitcher.
Even in recent years, when his performance has fluctuated, Keuchel has maintained a high ground ball rate, which is a key factor in his ability to limit damage and keep runners off base.
Keuchel’s Success as a Ground Ball Pitcher
Dallas Keuchel’s success as a ground ball pitcher can be attributed to his ability to consistently induce ground balls and limit home runs.
Keuchel’s low HR/FB (home runs per fly ball) rate is evidence of his ability to keep the ball on the ground and limit hard contact. Keuchel’s ability to limit hard contact has been a key factor in his success as a pitcher.
Let’s take a closer look at Keuchel’s career numbers and how they compare to other ground ball pitchers.
ERA:
Keuchel’s career ERA is 3.66, which is very good, but not necessarily elite.
However, when you consider that Keuchel pitches in hitter-friendly ballparks and divisions, his ERA is even more impressive.
Keuchel has consistently had an ERA lower than the league average throughout his career, which is a testament to his effectiveness as a pitcher.
WHIP:
Keuchel’s career WHIP is 1.25, which is also very good.
His ability to limit baserunners is a key factor in his success as a pitcher.
Keuchel’s WHIP is in line with other successful ground ball pitchers, such as Marcus Stroman and Zach Davies.
Win-Loss Record:
Keuchel’s career win-loss record is 98-80, which is solid, but not necessarily elite.
However, Keuchel has consistently been a reliable starter throughout his career, averaging over 180 innings pitched per season.
Overall, Keuchel’s success as a ground ball pitcher can be seen in his ability to consistently limit hard contact and keep runners off base.
His ERA and WHIP are very good, and his win-loss record is solid. While Keuchel may not have the flashy numbers of some other pitchers, his ability to induce ground balls and limit damage has made him a successful pitcher throughout his career.
Dallas Keuchel’s Ground Ball Rates
| Season | Keuchel’s GB% | League Average GB% |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 55.7% | 44.7% |
| 2013 | 60.7% | 44.0% |
| 2014 | 63.5% | 44.0% |
| 2015 | 61.7% | 45.0% |
| 2016 | 60.1% | 44.0% |
| 2017 | 66.8% | 44.0% |
| 2018 | 53.7% | 44.0% |
| 2019 | 56.0% | 43.0% |
| 2020 | 56.3% | 43.0% |
| 2021 | 52.2% | 43.0% |
This table shows the percentage of ground balls that Dallas Keuchel induced in each season, as well as the league average ground ball rate for each season.
As you can see, Keuchel consistently induced ground balls at a rate well above the league average throughout his career, with his peak season coming in 2017 when he induced ground balls at a rate of 66.8%.
FAQs
How does Keuchel’s ground ball rate compare to other pitchers in the league?
Keuchel’s ground ball rate is significantly higher than the league average, which is around 43%. In fact, Keuchel has led the league in ground ball rate multiple times throughout his career.
What are the advantages of inducing ground balls instead of fly balls?
Inducing ground balls is generally considered to be more advantageous than inducing fly balls. Ground balls are more likely to result in outs, and they are also less likely to result in extra base hits or home runs. Fly balls, on the other hand, are more likely to result in extra base hits or home runs.
Does Keuchel’s ground ball rate fluctuate from game to game or season to season?
Keuchel’s ground ball rate can fluctuate from game to game and season to season, depending on a variety of factors. However, he has consistently maintained a high ground ball rate throughout his career.
Is it more difficult to induce ground balls in certain ballparks or against certain teams?
Yes, it can be more difficult to induce ground balls in certain ballparks or against certain teams. For example, ballparks with smaller dimensions or higher altitudes tend to be more hitter-friendly, which can make it harder to induce ground balls. Additionally, some teams may have a lineup that is particularly adept at hitting fly balls, which can also make it harder to induce ground balls.
How has Keuchel’s success as a ground ball pitcher impacted his team’s overall performance?
Keuchel’s success as a ground ball pitcher has had a positive impact on his team’s overall performance. By inducing ground balls and limiting hard contact, Keuchel has been able to keep his team in games and give them a chance to win. Additionally, his ability to pitch deep into games has helped to save the bullpen and keep other pitchers fresh.
Conclusion
Dallas Keuchel is a ground ball pitcher who has consistently induced ground balls throughout his career. His sinker and slider have been key pitches for him, as they are designed to induce ground balls and limit hard contact.
Keuchel’s ability to limit home runs and keep runners off base has contributed to his success as a pitcher, despite pitching in hitter-friendly ballparks and divisions.
His career numbers, including his ERA and WHIP, are very good and in line with other successful ground ball pitchers.
Overall, Keuchel’s success as a ground ball pitcher is a testament to his ability to consistently execute his pitches and limit damage.
