Issues piling up The Rangers have a list of concerns about Hearn's performance thus far in 2021, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. After seven outings, he has a 7.59 ERA and 2.06 WHIP... Impact The first issue is Hearn's velocity when facing first batters. He averages a robust 95.1 mph overall, but against first hitters, that average drops to 93.1. "There is no reason to ease your way in," Rangers manager Chris Woodward said. "You've got to have your best fastball from pitch one. That's something you've got to do in the bullpen or in the warmup. There is plenty of time to get loose. It's definitely hurt him at this point." He's also struggled when falling behind in the count, allowing opposing hitters to go 6-for-11 with nine walks when they've gotten ahead of him. And if that's not enough, the left-hander has been raked by right-handed batters, who are slashing .423/.516/.923 against him. All four home runs he's allowed have been to righties. The need for relievers to face at least three batters means they have to be competitive to opposite-side hitters. Where this leaves Hearn is unclear. He had been serving as a tandem starter but has thrown just 2.1 innings over his last three outings.
APRIL 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
