The one thing you always knew about lefty Jarrod Washburn was that he was going to challenge you with fastballs.
But times are changing for Washburn, who starts Tuesday against Tampa Bay owning a 2-0 record. He and pitching coach Rick Adair spent the spring working on variations of his grip, and in the process they turned his sinker into a weapon he didn't have before.
It's not that he's necessarily going to become a classic groundball pitcher, but there is a good chance that he will be less predictable, which is always a good thing. The sinker he's throwing has enough late movement to make it a threat to hitters.
Washburn said he will always be primarily a fastball pitcher, but he hopes the sinker "will make my cutter that much better."
Washburn came out of his last start after just six innings because of weakness related to a battle with the flu, but he said Sunday he is feeling much better and doesn't expect to have any pitch limitations.
