ST. LOUIS – Command and control were Nick Lodolo’s calling cards throughout his minor league career, one of the reasons he rated as an elite prospect.
Lodolo doesn’t throw 100 mph. He has an impressive curveball, but it’s probably not the nastiest breaking ball on a pitching staff. He thrives when he remains in the strike zone, overpowering hitters with his ability to locate pitches.
None of that showed up Saturday.
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In Lodolo’s final start before the All-Star break, his command abandoned him.