Minnesota Twins pitcher Taj Bradley has made a notable change in his pre-game routine by studying scouting reports for the first time, aiming to improve his performance. Bradley’s decision to adopt this strategy came after a subpar start, where he allowed seven runs on nine hits. This shift in approach was evident during his start against the San Diego Padres, where he pitched effectively for five innings but ultimately the team lost the game due to a strong seventh-inning rally by the Padres.
In his debut for the Twins, Bradley struggled with a 5.59 ERA in 23 games. However, his recent start against the Padres showed marked improvement, with a five-inning performance that included one run on one hit and six strikeouts. Despite his solid outing, the Twins’ offense failed to support him, and the Padres’ seventh-inning surge resulted in a 12-3 victory. Bradley’s manager, Rocco Baldelli, expressed confidence in his approach, emphasizing the importance of mental preparation and confidence for pitchers.
Bradley, who was acquired by the Twins from the Tampa Bay Rays before the trade deadline, admitted to being ‘out there blind’ in his previous outings. He shared this sentiment through the Star Tribune, stating, ‘I just never did it at all. I was kind of out there blind the whole time. After my last outing, I had a lot of soft contact, so I figured now is the time. OK, get your head in the books, learn a bit about the hitters you’re going up against.’
Bradley’s decision to incorporate scouting reports into his routine marks a significant shift in his approach to pitching. While his previous performances were inconsistent, his latest effort demonstrates a commitment to improvement. The Rays selected Bradley in the fifth round of the 2018 MLB Draft, and he has since had a mixed season with a 4.82 ERA in 23 appearances across both teams. As he continues to adapt his strategy, his performance may have a lasting impact on his future with the Twins.