Cincinnati Reds reliever Hunter Strickland finding success with less is more approach

PHILADELPHIA – A drop in velocity during the season is usually a cause for concern, but Cincinnati Reds reliever Hunter Strickland is trying to do more with less.

Strickland, who struggled earlier this month and moved out of the closer’s role, has dropped 1-2 mph on his pitches.

The early results have been positive. Strickland recorded seven consecutive scoreless appearances, entering Thursday, with 11 strikeouts and four walks across 6 2/3 innings while giving up only three hits.

“I don’t know if it has to do with the innings he’s pitching in,” Reds Manager David Bell said. “He just kind of forced himself to back off a little bit and not try to do too much. It’s the same thing we always talk…