Jack Flaherty (22) reacts after getting a strikeout with he bases loaded to end the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Cardinals Rumors Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Cardinals Rumors: Should fans be concerned about Jack Flaherty?
Jack Flaherty’s fastball velocity is low — that’s no secret. He’s thrown 21 fastballs below 87 mph in his career, and all but five have come this season, per Dan Szymborski. His ERA this season is over six, which would be one of the worst marks of his career. Minus a three-month stretch in 2019, Flaherty has been anything but an ace.
Point this out to him, however, and he immediately gets defensive. That’s what happened after his previous start, in which he questioned the intelligence of the media.
“The next time somebody wants to mention the velocity of my fastball, just, I’m not going to answer that question. I’m gonna play with the velocity of my fastball based on what the game calls for. I can get outs if I need to get outs at 95. I’m going to play with it. I’ve always played with it. I’ve thrown fricken fastballs at 87 before in games when I’ve been at my best.
Flaherty added: “I’m just saying, because y’all want to make a big deal out of it, I’m tired of it. It’s so ridiculous.”
FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray isn’t buying it, and thinks it’s time the Cards start paying attention.
“Reporters were right to ask Flaherty about the velocity decrease. Yes, he has played with his velocity in the past, and it’s allowed him to play off his slider with more effectiveness. But he has also dealt with an assortment of injuries in the past and in August 2021, his velocity cratered and he had to leave a start due to a shoulder injury.”
Flaherty may be fine. Maybe this is just how he pitches now — ratcheting up the velo when he needs to. But it’s sketchy to say the least, and the way he treated reporters isn’t helping his case.