Triple Digits in the postseason

The Dodgers lost to the Braves in the NLCS and we are still waiting to see the first team to win back-to-back World Series Champions this century. However, it’s actually quite entertaining to watch Brusdar Graterol pitching this postseason since his sinker frequently hit triple digits.

I went to check on the statcast website to see which pitchers were throwing really hard in the postseason.

Well, it’s not a surprise to see Aroldis Chapman at the top of the chart. Chapman already threw 268 pitches that hit triple digits in the postseason. It’s extremely difficult for MLB hitters to collect a hit against Chapman’s triple-digit pitches and opponents only batted .129. Although it’s not easy to hit against Chapman’s heat, some hitters still crushed it. Last season, Mike Brosseau hit a go-ahead home run against Chapman in the finale of the ALDS. The velocity of that pitch was 100.2 mph.
   This postseason, Brusdar Graterol threw 98 pitches and 59 pitches reached at least 100 mph. He gave up only 4 hits this postseason, all were singles. Additionally, Graterol just turned 23 in August and he already threw 99 pitches that hit 100 mph in the playoffs by far in his career. If he stays healthy with the Dodgers and the Dodgers continue success, we will see Graterol keep throwing heat in the playoffs. In addition, Kelvin Herrera announced his retirement in February. He was a two-time All-Star. In his career, he posted a 3.21 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP over 513.2 innings. He was a key contributor in the Royals’ 2015 World Series title run and he threw 19 pitches that hit triple digits in 2015. In 2014, the Royals fell short in the World Series. Kelvin Herrera tossed 15 innings with a 1.80 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP in the 2014 postseason and he threw 52 pitches that reached 100 mph. Trevor Rosenthal signed with the Oakland Athletics before the 2021 spring training. However, injury became a serious problem and Rosenthal didn’t pitch in 2021. So far in his career, he tossed 364 innings and already collected 132 saves. Moreover, he owned a 3.36 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. A healthy Rosenthal can throw pitches that reach 100 mph. Last postseason, when he pitched for the Padres, he threw 5 four-seam fastballs that hit triple digits. Previously, he used to be a hard-throwing closer for the Cardinals. In addition, Tyler Glasnow threw 34 pitches that hit triple digits in the postseason. However, he underwent Tommy John surgery in August and he’ll probably be out until 2023. Furthermore, Yordano Ventura, who was also a key contributor to the 2015 World Series Champions Royals, threw more than 30 pitches that reached 100 mph as well. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2017 due to a car accident. We have seen many pitchers throw pitches that hit triple digits. However, not every pitcher can do that. In total, 7 pitchers threw pitches that hit 100 mph this postseason. Chapman didn’t have an opportunity to throw his heat this postseason and Graterol had thrown gas easily in the 2021 playoffs. The 2021 season is over. Let’s wait till 2022 to see who will shine in the postseason.