Through two starts this season, Orioles starter David Hess has been the right-handed embodiment of the benefits and drawbacks of the team's dedication to joining the league-wide trend of throwing high fastballs.
In his first start, it helped him throw 6 1/3 hitless innings. In his second start, he gave up a pair of home runs on elevated fastballs. Hess, like all the Orioles' pitcher, is trying to strike a balance in the first few weeks, and Hess thinks he'll be on the right side going forward.
"I think it's proven to be effective so far," Hess said.