BSN EXCLUSIVE: Kyle Freeland talks "tweaking" mechanics for "health"

DENVER – When the Colorado Rockies drafted Kyle Freeland in the first round of the 2014 draft, scouts and analysts (at least the ones we are familiar with) were in near universal agreement about the high-level of talent the Denver-native possessed. The big question, at the time, was whether his violent delivery would lead to injury or limit him to a bullpen role.

After a successful first season in the pros, Freeland did end up experiencing some health issues and those who said this would ultimately be his downfall felt vindicated. But, Freeland said in an exclusive interview with BSN Denver, he and the Rockies got together and figured out how to make a small enough change that it could both help him avoid injury while also making him a more effective pitcher.

“I’ve stuck with the mechanics I’ve learned since I was younger,” he said. “We’ve tweaked a few things to make me more directional down on the mound instead of rotational. Rotational is what got me hurt in the past, both my freshman year in high school and my first full season in the pros. Being directional down on the mound, going towards my target instead of trying to whip the ball in there. That’s really been the only thing. I’ve had success with that and worked a lot on it and haven’t had any injuries.”

Since the adjustment, Freeland has moved quickly through the Rockies system culminating in his debut at Coors Field on opening day. (More on his memories from that day in a future piece.)

So then he could focus on developing a pitch he knew he was going to need, oftentimes at the cost of not having pretty numbers in the minors. “The changeup is a big pitch. No matter really where you are, the changeup is a big pitch. It plays fantastic off your fastball, especially here. It’s a great groundball pitch. But for me, [my keys are] that pitch, locating it well and also staying on top of all my pitches. When I’m on top of my pitches, I have good action. I can locate well. It’s when I get on the side of the ball, that’s when things kind of go sideways.”

Freeland in and of himself is a kind of change up. He can dial it up to 94-95 mph, but for the most part, he sits 91-92 which can throw off pitchers who have seen a steady diet of Jon Gray, Antonio Senzatela, and Tyler Chatwood. Plus all the guys in the bullpen.

“Every pitcher has their way of attacking hitters and how they pitch,” says Freeland. “Coming in after someone like a Hoffman or a Marquez or Gray, who has a power fastball, it does give the opposing team a different look especially being from the left side. Every pitcher has a way of pitching and I think I just stay in that vacuum.”

And now the Southpaw from the Centennial State is testing all the mechanical adjustments and focuses on individual pitch development and all the time spent watching film against the very best in the world on the grandest stage of them all.

But as much time and digital ink as we’ve given Freeland’s throwing motion and changeup, it may be the ice in his veins that is truly the key to his success.”There’s not a whole lot different,” he says about facing MLB hitter. “You’re still playing the game of baseball, you’re still facing an opponent in the box. You just gotta attack. Attack hitters the same way. They’re looking to do damage off you and you’re looking to get them out. As long as you keep that mentality, things should turn out alright.”

So far, that mentality has guided Kyle Freeland to a very good start to his MLB career. Let’s see where it guides him next.