Padres Pitcher Learning New Catchers — And A New Pitch
Michael King has a new pitch. He just isn't saying what it is.
The new Padres pitcher hasn't thrown in Cactus League action yet, so the new offering remains a mystery. Based on how the rotation is lined up, he might debut as early as Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox in Glendale, Arizona.
In an interview with Sam Levitt of 97.3-FM, the new Padres starting pitcher confirmed the existence of the new fifth pitch. He only spoke at length about introducing his new repertoire to the three catchers on the Padres' 40-man roster — only one of whom has caught him before today.
"I feel like the four pitches I can win with are in a great spot. Learning the catchers has also been a battle, but it's been a really fun battle. Obviously Higgy knows me pretty well, but then I've thrown to Campy a couple times. Talked to Sully a ton. It's going to be really fun to have them learn my pitch package as well, then kind of figure out how to use it."
— Michael King, via Sam Levitt on YouTube
King was the crowning piece of the Padres' return for Juan Soto. San Diego also received catcher Kyle Higashioka, and pitchers Randy Vasquez, Jhony Brito and Drew Thorpe in exchange for Soto and Trent Grisham in a December blockbuster.
Higashioka caught King in the Bronx. Luis Campusano and Brett Sullivan did not, so they must learn the nuances of King's sinker, sweeper, four-seam fastball and changeup.
Until King takes the mound, we can only speculate what his new pitch is. Is it something more traditional, such as a curveball, splitter, or a traditional vertical-dropping slider? Something funky, like a knuckleball? Or something trendy, like the so-called "death pitch"?
It makes sense that King would want to see his new pitch in action as soon as possible, so look for the new offering this week.
