Slade Cecconi has faced a challenging season as he strives to reclaim his form in the 2024 MLB campaign. Having been sent down to AAA-Reno for the fourth time this season, questions have arisen about his future and whether he can overcome the obstacles he currently faces. While the Arizona Diamondbacks have had their struggles, Cecconi’s journey has been particularly difficult, making his situation one to monitor closely as the season progresses.
Early Season Challenges
Cecconi began the season in AAA-Reno, aiming to solidify his role as a starting pitcher. He made four starts for the Reno Aces before being called up on April 21 after teammate Merrill Kelly’s injury. Initially, Cecconi impressed with six quality innings against the Giants and Mariners, positioning himself as a worthy candidate for the rotation. However, after this promising start, he struggled to maintain momentum over his next 12 outings, resulting in a disappointing ERA of 6.61. This downturn raised concerns about his ability to compete at the major league level and his future with the team.
Inability to Sustain Success
In those 12 starts, Cecconi only managed two quality performances. His struggles during this period were significant; he ranked among the lower-performing pitchers in the league, with opponents hitting .305 against him. This tough stretch, spanning from May 3 to July 10, highlighted the challenges faced by Cecconi, a former first-round draft pick. Despite his potential, he struggled to generate strong performances in his starts, leading to increased scrutiny of his skills and future in the MLB.
Transition to the Bullpen
In a surprising turn of events, Cecconi found some success after moving to the bullpen for Reno. In a small sample size, he struck out seven of the nineteen batters he faced, boasting an impressive 37% strikeout rate. This change allowed him to leverage his fastball more effectively, increasing his usage of breaking pitches to 53% of his throws compared to only 30% during his starts. This transition marked a turning point and provided a glimmer of hope for his season, demonstrating his adaptability and potential for growth.
Adjustments and Areas for Improvement
Cecconi’s success in the bullpen reflects an important adjustment in his pitch selection. However, there are still areas he needs to address. While he has shown improved command, he frequently pitches towards the center of the strike zone, which can be detrimental. Cecconi throws down the middle 30.3% of the time, placing him among the top ten pitchers in this category. This tendency makes him vulnerable to hard-hit balls, as evidenced by a 56.5% contact rate on those pitches, underscoring the need for further refinement in his approach.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery
As Cecconi continues to adjust his game, the pressure is mounting with the playoffs approaching. He must refine his command and pitch placement if he hopes to earn a spot back in the Diamondbacks’ rotation. With the remainder of the season ahead, Cecconi’s journey will hinge on his ability to make further adjustments at the AAA level. Slade Cecconi’s quest to regain his form epitomizes the challenges many athletes face in their careers. With determination and strategic changes to his game, he may turn his season around and make a meaningful contribution to his team’s success. As he continues to evolve, fans and analysts alike will closely watch how this talented pitcher navigates the rest of the season, hoping for a strong comeback.
