Cincinnati.com · Apr 3, 2018
Commanding the strike zone is key for the young pitchers in the Cincinnati Reds rotation
The Reds got their first win of the season behind a strong start from Tyler Mahle. The Enquirer/John Fay
Next time you watch Tyler Mahle pitch, watch Tucker Barnhart’s mitt. If it’s not moving, Mahle is likely going to be good. If Barnhart is reaching for pitches, Mahle is probably going to be in trouble.
In baseball speak, Mahle, the Reds 23-year-old starter, relies on “command,” which is not only the ability to throw strikes but to throw strikes where you want them. He was able to do that to perfection in a six-inning, one-hit shutout performance against the Cubs, mostly with his fastball.