Tyler Chatwood was a second round pick for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2008. The 6’0 righty made his MLB debut in 2011 with the Angels as a 21-year old. Chatwood was acquired by the Rockies prior to the 2012 season in exchange for catcher Chris Ianetta.
Chatwood had somewhat of a break-out campaign last season, posting a career-low 3.15 ERA. The improvement can be found in two peripheral stats: Chatwood was able to reduce his HR/9 IP to 0.40, raising his groundball rate, while also reducing his walk rate by over a full walk per 9 IP. Chatwood relies heavily (75.7%) on his fastball and has transitioned from a curveball to a slider as his go-to off-speed pitch. Chatwood’s fastball averages a brisk 93 MPH and comes to the plate after a sort-of herky, jerky delivery.
Before Chatwood breaks his hands to come to the plate, he does what I can only describe as a very slight pump fake with his elbow toward center field. It does not distract from the hitter. Chatwood comes almost exactly over the top through his delivery and has the potential to leave a flat fastball over the plate.
Lefties have hit Chatwood at an all-star clip in Chatwood’s career (.304/.391/.445) while righties have also hit well (.278/.341/.403). Look for yet another big game from Chase Utley against Chatwood. This also may be one of Ben Revere‘s best chances at hitting a homer in 2014 facing Chatwood in Denver.
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