Buchholz again succeeding with four-seamer

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Clay Buchholz built his career on a sinking fastball, burying it as far as he could in the bottom of the strike zone. Then last year happened. The pitch started to get hit. Buchholz changed his fastball grip to a four-seam and started targeting the top of the zone.

Buchholz practically shelved the sinker during the second half last season. A season before it was his most-used pitch. He found success with the four-seamer, holding hitters to a batting average less than .150 when using the pitch in the final three months. Buchholz used it to great success Friday as he struck out six batters in a 5-0 loss to the Yankees. Most of the whiffs came as hitters chased the high…