Is Kansas City Royals pitcher Ragans against left-handed or right-handed hitters? This is a question that has intrigued baseball fans and analysts alike. As a key component of the Royals’ pitching staff, Ragans’ ability to effectively pitch against both lefties and righties is crucial to the team’s success. In this article, we will explore the strengths and weaknesses of Ragans’ pitching style and how he has adapted to face both types of hitters.
Ragans, whose full name is Jackson Ragans, has made a name for himself in the MLB with his impressive fastball and breaking pitches. Since joining the Royals in 2020, he has been a reliable reliever who can be counted on to pitch in high-leverage situations. However, his effectiveness against left-handed hitters has been a topic of discussion, as he has faced some challenges in that department.
When it comes to pitching against left-handed hitters, Ragans has struggled at times. This is primarily due to his tendency to leave his fastball over the plate, making it easier for lefties to square up the ball and drive it out of the park. While he has improved his command and pitch selection over the years, there is still room for growth in this area. One key to overcoming this challenge is for Ragans to work on developing a more effective slider or changeup to keep lefties guessing.
On the other hand, Ragans has been more successful against right-handed hitters. His fastball, which can reach the upper 90s, has proven to be a significant weapon against righties. Additionally, his breaking pitches, such as his curveball and slider, have been effective in putting righties in tough spots. By mixing his pitches and varying his velocity, Ragans has been able to keep right-handed hitters off-balance and limit their production.
To improve his performance against left-handed hitters, Ragans has been working on several aspects of his game. First, he has focused on improving his command, particularly with his fastball. By throwing more strikes and avoiding the middle of the plate, Ragans has been able to make it more difficult for lefties to hit the ball with authority. Second, he has been working on his pitch sequencing, ensuring that he doesn’t fall into predictable patterns that lefties can exploit. Lastly, Ragans has been incorporating more off-speed pitches into his arsenal, such as his changeup and curveball, to keep lefties guessing and off-balance.
In conclusion, Kansas City Royals pitcher Ragans has shown the ability to be effective against both left-handed and right-handed hitters. While he has faced some challenges in pitching against lefties, his success against righties has been a significant factor in his overall performance. By continuing to refine his command, pitch selection, and off-speed pitches, Ragans can become an even more valuable asset to the Royals and further solidify his place as a dominant reliever in the MLB.
