Cole Hamels’ dip in velocity leaves him vulnerable | Dallas Morning News

First, about the velocity drop: It is significant. Hamels, 34, is averaging 89.8 mph with his four-seam fastball, the one that is supposed to “explode” through the strike zone on what appears to be an upward plane. That is down from 92.3 mph in his first three starts a year ago.

On Sunday, he threw a four-seamer on the game’s first pitch. It didn’t explode, well, at least not until after leadoff hitter Steve Pearce sent it deep into the left-field stands. It was the second time in three starts this season Hamels has allowed a homer to the game’s leadoff hitter.