Dodgers 'moderately concerned' about Flaherty's drop in velocity

LOS ANGELES – Jack Flaherty experienced a noticeable decline in fastball velocity in his last start, averaging 91.4 mph in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series and easing concerns about the condition as the season progressed through late October of his arm. Flaherty, who will start Game 1 of the World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night, said the decline was due to a timing issue in his performance that he worked to correct all week.

Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior said the issue was not injury-related but admitted he was “moderately concerned.”

“Of course, everyone knows – the higher the speed the better, usually unless you're going well below batting speed,” Prior said. “Worrying, yes, because obviously he was pitching during the regular break and it was a little bad . Can he pitch with it? The second time around he sat on some of the slower spin stuff, but I think with more rest and what we've seen in the bullpens, I'm pretty confident he can get back to where he was last time.

Flaherty pitched seven scoreless innings against the New York Mets in Game 1 and then allowed eight runs in three innings against them at Citi Field in Game 5. In the latter start, Flaherty's four-seam fastball fell nearly two ticks, compared to a season average of 93.3 mph. His average fastball has now dipped below 92 mph in three of his last five starts. The mechanics of his performance tend to influence this.

“And sometimes it's intentional,” Prior said. “He's a little old-fashioned, sometimes he turns down his heat so he can jump on it a little later. We saw that from the beginning. I know his speed has picked up a little bit over the year.” But we've seen him bat very effectively at 91, and next thing you know he's 94, 95. He's got the ability to get it when it comes has to be, but sometimes when his performance is a little off, it's enough It's a little harder to get it.

At this time of year, the number of days off between starts could also have an impact. Flaherty had six days off when he dominated early in the NLCS, but had the traditional four days off when he struggled in Game 5. He will again receive extended rest when he starts Game 1 against the New York Yankees. But in his second start at Yankee Stadium in a possible Game 5, he will again have four days off.

Asked if that was a cause for concern, Roberts said: “I think, No. 1, we have no other alternative. And No. 2, we'll deal with it as far as it appears.” It was no longer normal (at rest). But that’s the way we set up the rotation and that’s how it will be.”