It’s one thing to give up runs. It’s another thing to show signs of a tired arm in the MLB Playoffs.
Oct 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty (0) throws a pitch against the New York Mets in the fifth inning during game one of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesThe Los Angeles Dodgers had to feel confident in their chances to advance to the World Series on Friday in Game 5 of the NLCS. On the mound, they had Jack Flaherty, who was magnificent in Game 1. However, the Flaherty of Game 1 certainly didn’t show up in Game 5.
It would be one thing if Flaherty just had a rough first inning. It happens. He gave up four runs in his first postseason start in the NLDS. But this wasn’t just one of those days. The pitcher showed worrying signs of arm fatigue that could impact the Dodgers if they make it through.
Flaherty gave up three runs in the first inning on a massive blast from Pete Alonso. He allowed three hits and walked another two.
Codify Baseball laid out the concerning numbers: Flaherty has averaged 93.3 mph on his fastball this season. In the first inning, only two fastballs even made it up to 93. His Game 1 fastballs were in the range of 94-92 mph. A two mph drop to 90-92 is a bad sign.
Jack Flaherty’s velocity was worryingly down in Game 5
Flaherty is on four days rest. He got seven days rest between his last two postseason starts. Throughout the regular season, he was given five days of rest between starts. The last time he went on four was in July.
It could just be a case of arm fatigue. It could also be some underlying issue dogging Flaherty. That would be the worst-case scenario but it also seems the most unlikely. The Dodgers likely would have had a much shorter leash with Flaherty if something was ailing him.
Even if it is fatigue, that’s a problem unto itself. Los Angeles may need Flaherty to be ready to go on four days rest in the World Series. If he can’t be relied upon unless he’s fully rested, that’s an issue.
Flaherty’s troubles in Game 5 were especially frustrating because he went seven innings in Game 1, giving up just two hits and holding the Mets scoreless.
News
VIDEO: Jerry Jones’ Sad Reaction To Seeing His Dallas Cowboys Lose Yet Again Was Caught On Camera For All To See
Jerry Jones (Photo via NBC) Jerry Jones is not having a good 2024. The Dallas Cowboys were coming off a bye week, hoping to right all of their wrongs and put a humiliating loss to the Lions in Week 6 behind them. However,…
Mets Poised to Make History With Trio of Blockbuster Signings
In the world of Major League Baseball, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is a bit like Santa Claus splurging on fancy gifts. He’s known for his willingness to open up his wallet wide, and boy, has he. With the…
Dwyane Wade suffers same fate as $800 million soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo at statue unveiling in Miami
Miami Heat unveiled a bronze statue of its legend Dwyane Wade and fans online were not impressed with how it looked. Dwyane Wade and Cristiano Ronaldo Statue With the 2024 NBA season underway, the Miami Heat unveiled a statue of…
VIDEO: 49ers TE George Kittle Was Itching To Flash His T-Shirt With Vulgar 2-Word Message On Live TV During Post-Game Interview, And Social Media Detectives All Took Notice
George Kittle (Photos via SNF) George Kittle really wanted to do it again to the Dallas Cowboys. During the San Francisco 49ers 42-10 Week 5 win over the Dallas Cowboys last season, tight end George Kittle made headlines for questionable reasons. He made them…
Joseph Woll’s Fate in Question After Maple Leafs’ Latest Decision
Joseph Woll no longer the Toronto Maple Leafs top goalie? Despite being healthy, the team has opted to go with goaltender Anthony Stolarz again. The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a little bit of a precarious situation here as they are on a…
PHOTO: Jayden Daniels’ Old Tweet Trashing The Bears As A 13-Year-Old Resurfaces 10 Years Later Following His Incredible Game-Winning Hail Mary vs. Chicago
Jayden Daniels (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels broke every heart in Chicago in his first game against the Bears, snatching a win with an incredible Hail Mary throw at the death this Sunday. The Commanders-Bears…
End of content
No more pages to load