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J.T. Ginn does not rely on power. Instead, the Athletics pitcher utilizes control and his brain.
When he was a top prospect in the New York Mets' organization and now a rising starter on a rebuilding organization, Ginn learned to depend more on cutters and sinkers over four-seam fastballs that hover around 94 mph with less-than-average movement.
The sinker evolved into Ginn's go-to pitch, often resulting in around 27 inches of vertical movement. The drop effect can lead to off-balance swings, ground balls and weak contact. The cutter has additional horizontal movement, but it can confuse batters when Ginn initially releases the pitch. Following his previous start, a six-inning outing against the Cubs last Thursday, Ginn amassed a 29 percent whiff rate on his sliders.
Is the injury-prone Ginn finally reaching his potential?
Athletics' J.T. Ginn pitching like ace
Since yielding five earned runs off five hits and five bases on balls during an 8-5 loss to the visiting Cleveland Guardians on May 1, Ginn has allowed two or fewer runs in his past six starts.
Can Ginn continue pitching like an ace?
He will need to, especially with rotation leader Luis Severino sidelined with a right shoulder strain.
Ginn was scheduled to start Tuesday against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers at Las Vegas Ballpark.
Since being elevated from the bullpen April 10, Ginn continues to add balance to the rotation. In 66.2 innings this season, the 27-year-old right-hander posted a 3-3 record with a 2.74 ERA, 60 strikeouts and seven home runs allowed.
Against the Cubs last Thursday, Ginn registered 19 whiffs and eight strikeouts, but was tagged with a no-decision after the bullpen failed to hold a 4-1 advantage.
Injuries held Ginn back early in his career.
Are the Athletics helping him reach his potential?
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