Scouting the Opposing Pitcher: Matt Shoemaker

Tonight, the Phillies face Matt Shoemaker, a 6’2″, 27-year old righty out of Eastern Michigan University. Shoemaker is making just his second Major League after being recalled by the Halos.

Shoemaker spent most of his time in the minors as a starter but always delivers from the stretch. He releases his fastball from between 75 and 80 degrees consistently and hitters are able to get a good view of the pitch leaving his hand.

Shoemaker’s fastball sits between 90 and 91 MPH and he goes to it about 50% of the time. Shoemaker’s secondary pitches are a slider, sits at 82 MPH, and a splitter, which sits at about 84 MPH. Shoemaker had a lot of success in his Major League debut working the lower, outer half of the strikezone with his slider, getting righties to chase as seen in the video below.

This strategy probably will not bode well when facing the lefties the Phillies will send to the plate. Look for Shoemaker to toggle between his 4-seam and split-fingered fastballs tonight. The Phillies, particularly Chase Utley, could do considerable damage to to Shoemaker if he leaves his sliders across the plate.