What's Happening?
Andre Pallante, a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, is working on incorporating a new pitching technique known as the 'kick-change' to enhance his performance. In a recent Grapefruit League outing against the Nationals, Pallante allowed one run over
two innings without giving up a hit. The run was scored due to a combination of a walk, stolen base, wild pitch, and an error. Pallante, who has a career strikeout rate of 16.2 percent, hopes that the kick-change will help him increase his strikeouts. This development comes after a challenging 2025 season where he posted a 5.31 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP over 162.2 innings. Pallante is currently competing for a spot in the Cardinals' rotation.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the kick-change pitch could be pivotal for Pallante's career and the Cardinals' pitching lineup. If successful, this new technique may help Pallante secure a more permanent position in the starting rotation, potentially improving the team's overall performance. For the Cardinals, enhancing their pitching staff is crucial, especially following a season where Pallante struggled. This change could also influence other pitchers to adopt new techniques to stay competitive, highlighting the ongoing evolution in baseball strategies.
What's Next?
Pallante will continue to refine his kick-change pitch during spring training, with the goal of securing a spot in the Cardinals' rotation. The team's coaching staff will likely monitor his progress closely to determine his role for the upcoming season. If Pallante can effectively utilize this new pitch, it may lead to increased opportunities and a more significant impact on the team's success.
