Aroldis Chapman still throws hard … but Jordan Hicks might be taking over as the new flame-thrower in the Major Leagues.
In a plate appearance against Odubel Herrera yesterday, Hicks unleashed the fire of hell to the plate, racking up the five fastest pitches of the 2018 season, including two at 105 MPH.
Take a look:
Jordan Hicks threw the five fastest pitches of the entire MLB season today against Odubel Herrera, topping out at 105mph…twice.
Here is that at-bat. pic.twitter.com/xsvcJlaOeY
— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) May 20, 2018
Here’s how each pitch registered:
Pitch 1: 104.2 MPH
Pitch 2: 105 MPH
Pitch 3: 104.3 MPH
Pitch 4: 105 MPH
Pitch 5: 103.7 MPH
All five now rank as the five fastest pitches of the season. Aroldis Chapman hold the sixth (103.3 MPH) and ninth (102.6 MPH)spot on the rankings, but Hicks has thrown seven of the top ten fastest pitches this season.
No one other than Hicks (19) or Chapman (12) even fall in the top 30.
OH! And the best part? Hicks’ reasoning for throwing a little harder than normal:
Jordan Hicks on Throwing 105mph vs Odubel Herrera.
From: https://t.co/wik1LTZXHz pic.twitter.com/j8OKJ8XrOC
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 21, 2018
Damn, Odubel. Get in that box sooner.