Since control problems started for Robert Stephenson in the minor leagues, the fastball has been the main culprit. There was no doubting his raw stuff. He threw in the mid to upper 90s and possessed a strong curveball (which he has since scrapped for a slider) and splitter. But getting the fastball — his bread and butter — over the plate consistently has proved challenging.
Stephenson has sported walk rates well above 10% in every season after 2013, which has forced him into a relief role with the Reds. He’s not exactly the future top-of-the-rotation guy many envisioned, but the right-hander has seemingly found his niche in the bullpen.