Overview of Dustin May’s Pitching Mechanics

Dustin May is a professional baseball pitcher known for his explosive pitching style and impressive repertoire of pitches. In a recent tweet by renowned pitching analyst Rob Friedman, also known as Pitching Ninja, May’s individual pitches were dissected, showcasing the unique characteristics of his sinker and breaking ball. This analysis provides valuable insights into the mechanics and effectiveness of May’s pitches, which are crucial for any aspiring pitcher or baseball enthusiast to understand.

The Sinker: A Powerful Weapon

Dustin May’s sinker is a standout pitch, clocking in at an impressive 96 mph. What sets this pitch apart is its remarkable 20 inches of arm-side run. This means that as the ball approaches the batter, it veers off to the arm side, making it challenging for hitters to make solid contact. The combination of speed and movement allows May to induce ground balls and weak contact, which is a key component of his strategy on the mound.

The sinker’s effectiveness lies not only in its velocity but also in its ability to deceive batters. Hitters often anticipate a straight fastball, but the sinker’s movement can lead to swings and misses or poorly hit balls. For pitchers looking to enhance their game, mastering a sinker with similar characteristics could be a game-changer.

The Breaking Ball: A Deceptive Tool

In addition to his sinker, May also features an impressive breaking ball that clocks in at 86 mph with a remarkable spin rate of 3532 RPM. This pitch exhibits a glove-side break of 15 inches, making it difficult for batters to track. The spin rate is particularly noteworthy, as a higher RPM often translates to more sharpness and movement, further complicating a hitter’s timing and approach.

The breaking ball is designed to fool batters, often leading them to swing at pitches that appear to be in the strike zone before diving out of reach. For pitchers, developing a breaking ball with similar attributes can enhance their strikeout potential and overall effectiveness on the mound.

The Importance of Pitch Overlay

Rob Friedman’s analysis included an overlay of Dustin May’s pitches, which visually demonstrates the differences in movement and speed. Utilizing overlay techniques allows pitchers and coaches to compare and contrast different pitches, providing deeper insights into their mechanics. This visual representation can be invaluable for understanding how to effectively mix pitches to keep batters off-balance.

Overlaying pitches also highlights the importance of deception in pitching. By varying pitch types, speeds, and movements, a pitcher can create uncertainty for the batter, leading to mistakes and missed opportunities. For aspiring pitchers, learning to effectively utilize overlays can be a powerful tool for enhancing their game.

Conclusion: Learning from Dustin May

Dustin May’s pitching style exemplifies the critical elements of modern baseball pitching: speed, movement, and deception. By analyzing his sinker and breaking ball, pitchers at all levels can gain insights into how to improve their own arsenals. The ability to throw a sinker with significant arm-side run and a breaking ball with high spin rates can set a pitcher apart in today’s game.

For coaches and players alike, studying pitchers like May and utilizing tools such as pitch overlays can aid in developing effective training regimens. Understanding the mechanics behind each pitch and how they can work in conjunction with one another is essential for any pitcher aiming to reach their full potential.

In summary, Dustin May’s pitching repertoire, as highlighted by Rob Friedman, serves as an informative case study for anyone interested in the art of pitching. By focusing on the mechanics of the sinker and breaking ball, aspiring pitchers can learn valuable lessons that may help elevate their game to new heights. Good luck to all those who strive to master the craft of pitching!

Dustin May, 96mph Sinker and 86 mph/3532 RPM Breaking Ball, Individual Pitches + Overlay.

Sinker= 20″ arm side run
Breaking Ball=15″ glove side break

Good Luck! pic.twitter.com/MwKVB7qsY7

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 2, 2025

Dustin May, 96mph Sinker and 86 mph/3532 RPM Breaking Ball, Individual Pitches + Overlay

When it comes to standout pitchers in Major League Baseball, Dustin May has been turning heads with his incredible pitch arsenal. His recent showcase of a 96mph sinker and an 86 mph/3532 RPM breaking ball has made waves in the baseball community. Rob Friedman, also known as Pitching Ninja, shared an impressive overlay of these pitches on Twitter, giving fans a closer look at the mechanics and effectiveness of May’s throws. Let’s dive into what makes these pitches so special!

Sinker = 20″ Arm Side Run

The sinker is a pitch that can be a game-changer, especially when it’s thrown with the kind of velocity that Dustin May brings to the mound. Clocked at a blistering 96mph, this pitch boasts an impressive 20 inches of arm-side run. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, arm-side run refers to the lateral movement of the ball as it approaches the batter. This movement can be particularly deceiving, often leading to weak ground balls or swings that result in an easy out.

What really sets May’s sinker apart is his ability to maintain such speed while achieving significant lateral movement. This is not just about throwing hard; it’s about precision and control. The combination of velocity and movement can keep hitters guessing, and it’s no wonder that they often struggle against a pitch like this. If you’re curious about how May’s sinker compares to others in the league, check out this detailed analysis on Baseball Prospectus.

Breaking Ball = 15″ Glove Side Break

Now, let’s talk about that breaking ball. At an 86 mph velocity with a whopping 3532 RPM, this pitch is not just fast; it’s also incredibly effective. With a 15-inch glove-side break, it’s designed to fool batters into thinking it’s going to be a fastball before it drops dramatically. This sharp break makes it a challenge for hitters to make solid contact, often resulting in swings and misses or weak contact.

Many pitchers find it difficult to master the breaking ball, but May seems to have a natural talent for it. The spin rate of 3532 RPM is significant, as high spin rates are often linked to increased movement and more swings and misses. If you’re interested in the science behind pitch spin and how it affects the game, you can read more from FanGraphs.

Individual Pitches + Overlay

The beauty of the overlay shared by Rob Friedman is that it allows viewers to see both pitches in action side-by-side. This visual representation highlights the differences in movement and speed, providing insight into why May is such a formidable pitcher. Each pitch serves a different purpose, and together they create a dynamic that is difficult for batters to navigate.

Using overlays is a technique that has become increasingly popular among analysts and coaches. It helps to break down the mechanics of pitching, allowing fans and aspiring players to appreciate the nuances of the game. If you want to see the overlay for yourself, check out the original tweet from Pitching Ninja.

Good Luck!

With pitches like May’s 96mph sinker and 86 mph/3532 RPM breaking ball, it’s clear that he poses a significant challenge to hitters. The combination of speed, movement, and the element of surprise makes him a pitcher that any lineup would dread facing. As fans, we can only wish good luck to the hitters who step into the box against him!

In the world of baseball, having a powerful pitch arsenal is crucial, and Dustin May is a prime example of how effective pitching can dominate a game. His ability to mix pitches and keep hitters off-balance speaks volumes about his skill and dedication to the craft. Whether you’re a devoted baseball fan or just getting into the sport, understanding the intricacies of pitches like May’s is essential for appreciating the game at a deeper level.

Conclusion

As we continue to watch Dustin May develop as a pitcher, it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. With his 96mph sinker and 86 mph breaking ball, he is certainly making a name for himself. It’s players like him that keep the game fresh and thrilling, and we can’t wait to see how he continues to evolve on the mound!

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