The Anatomy of an Inning breaks down how Justin Slaten, a Rule 5 pick, has emerged as one of the top relievers in baseball, showcasing his effectiveness in locking down the middle innings for the Red Sox.

By the Numbers
  • Slaten returned a 40% whiff rate with his sweeper pitch this season.
  • He struggled with command of his fastball in the featured inning.
State of Play
  • Justin Slaten proved to be a crucial part of the Red Sox bullpen, showcasing the effectiveness of his sweeper pitch.
  • His ability to keep the sweeper down will likely continue to result in strikeouts and strong relief innings.
Bottom Line

Justin Slaten's prowess with the sweeper pitch has solidified his role as a key asset in the Red Sox bullpen, compensating for occasional issues with fastball command.