Why Slade Cecconi is Struggling to Regain His Form
Slade Cecconi has had a tough time finding consistent form this season, leaving many to wonder what lies ahead for the young pitcher. The Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitching staff has faced numerous challenges recently, but few have struggled more than Cecconi. On Thursday, Cecconi was sent down to AAA-Reno for the fourth time this season, with Yilber Diaz, another right-handed pitcher, called up to replace him in the bullpen.
Strong Start, Steep Decline
Cecconi began the 2024 season at AAA-Reno as a key starting pitcher, meeting expectations with strong performances. He made four starts for the Reno Aces before earning a call-up to the major league roster on April 21, following Merrill Kelly’s placement on the injured list due to a shoulder strain. Initially, Cecconi impressed with two solid outings against the San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners, pitching six innings in each game. At that point, it appeared he had secured his spot in the Diamondbacks’ rotation, especially with Kelly sidelined for four months.
However, things quickly took a turn. In Cecconi’s next 12 appearances, he struggled to deliver quality starts. From May 3 to July 10, he posted an ERA of 6.61, the second-worst among pitchers during that period, while opponents hit .305 against him—the sixth-worst batting average among 124 pitchers with at least 40 innings pitched.
Bad Luck or Bigger Problems?
Despite Cecconi’s struggles, his FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) stood at 4.52, significantly lower than his ERA, suggesting he might have been unlucky and conceded more runs than expected. However, even with a lower FIP, Cecconi’s performance was still below average.
Change in Pitching Strategy
One possible explanation for Cecconi’s inconsistent results could be a change in his pitching strategy. In his last three starts, Cecconi relied more heavily on his secondary pitches, increasing his use of curveballs and sliders to 53% compared to 30% in his earlier outings. Whether this adjustment will help Cecconi regain his form remains to be seen, but for now, the young right-hander faces an uphill battle to get back on track this MLB season.
