Sean Manaea just unleashed an absolute masterpiece against the Pirates, limiting them to a measly one run on three hits over seven innings. He was locked in, racking up 11 strikeouts and not giving up a single walk. This wasn’t just his best start of the season, no way. This was the Manaea we’ve been waiting for, the closest he’s looked to that unreal run he had to close out the 2024 season.
The 2024 Magic Is Back
Remember that magical run in 2024? After the All-Star break, Manaea posted a 3.48 ERA and punched out 88 batters in 85.1 innings. It was dominant. Two big changes fueled that performance: he lowered his arm angle and, crucially, he ditched his sinker. He’s held onto that lower arm slot for the past two seasons, which is awesome, but he brought that sinker back this year. And honestly? It was rough. That pitch was getting hammered for a .378 xwOBA and only managed a pathetic 7.6% whiff rate, easily the worst pitch in his whole arsenal. It was frustrating to watch, knowing what he could be.
Ditching the Sinkers (Again!)
Well, guess what happened Sunday? According to Statcast, Manaea threw only two sinkers the entire game. TWO! And wouldn’t you know it, he immediately looked like his 2024 self again. It’s like he remembered what made him great. He wasn’t just pitching smarter, either. He was also throwing his four-seamer 2 mph harder than he has been all season. That velocity jump might not stick around, but combined with burying that sinker, it was clearly a recipe for success. It shows you the kind of adjustments a pitcher can make when they really dial in and focus on what works.
This one start doesn’t make him a must-start fantasy option for forever, but it’s enough to make you pay attention. After seeing the success he had both Sunday and in that 2024 stretch, it’s a safe bet he’s going to double down on these changes next time out. If he keeps this up, his fantasy value is gonna keep climbing, and anyone who grabbed him off the waiver wire is going to be ecstatic. Keep an eye on his next outing; it’s going to be telling!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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