On April 1, Padres right-hander Robert Stock’s four-seam fastball hit 100.6 mph on the gun (no joke!), tied for the sixth-fastest pitch of the season according to Statcast. The 29-year-old reliever received the first big league call-up of his career last year, made the Padres’ opening day roster this year and has carved out a significant role in the San Diego bullpen. On Friday, he’ll be on the line for opening day ceremonies in St. Louis, which drafted him out of USC as a catcher in the second round in 2009.
Union-Tribune: You just experienced your first opening day as a big leaguer.