Starter Spotlight: Simeon Woods Richardson

6-8-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X

Bullpen game on the Pirates side today facing the Twins and their young righty in Simeon Woods Richardson.

Woods Richardson made a spot start for Minnesota in each of the previous two seasons before finally breaking in as part of the big league club’s rotation. He’s made nine starts compiling 44.1 innings of work, 36 strikeouts, 11 walks with 3.05 ERA and 1.11 WHIP.

With a three pitch arsenal, Woods Richardson features a low-90s fastball, high-80s slider and low-80s changeup with an occasional mid-70s curve thrown in as well.

His slider is by far his best pitch, ranking 2nd highest Run Value/100 per BaseballSavant (minimum 50 plate appearances) with opponents hitting a measly .161 against the offering.

On the other hand, his fastball (.258 oBA) and curve (.321) have been eminently more hittable with highest exit velocity as well compared to the slider.

Woods Richardson has posted some reverse splits as right handed hitters are faring better against him (.670 OPS) than lefties (.546) but has been dominant across the board first time through the order – 1.77 ERA and .455 OPS.

In his last outing, he only threw 66 pitches – his lowest total in any start this season – lasting 4.1 innings and allowing 3 earned runs – so the Twins have shown a willingness to pull him early if they feel it’s needed. That could be crucial with the Bucs tossing a bullpen game on their end.

Pirates hitters need to lay off that slider and focus on his elevated fastball or hanging curve to do the most damage. They have a chance to take the series today with a young, soft-tossing starter going for the Twins.

Let’s Go Bucs!