When the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Chris Archer, many felt it to be a natural extension of the club’s movement — albeit glacial — towards a more breaking-ball/high four-seam fastball heavy approach.
Archer certainly seemed to fit this bill, carrying a slider known as one of the best in the game. Archer’s toolbelt also carries a token changeup and curveball. Many wondered how the Pittsburgh Pirates’ brass might tinker with pitch selection and sequencing to maximize his go-to slider.
We should have known all along.
Archer’s sinker/two-seam fastball is back, baby.
I heard your audible groan from here, but let’s get one thing right: the sinker/two-seam has a place and a purpose.