Shane Bieber’s breakout 2019 season was due in part to him using his curveball more — a pitch that he improved throughout the year.
The Indians’ right-hander credited the Yankees’ new pitching coach, Matt Blake, with the change.
“He was an integral part in me using my curveball more,’’ the All-Star said by phone on Sunday of Blake, who spent the past four seasons with the Indians — including three as the assistant director of player development.
“Matt had a lot of ideas of how to add that to my repertoire and the pitch had a lot to do with the success I had last year,’’ Bieber said.