Eric Orze, a relief pitcher for the New York Mets, is entering the season with added weight and hopes that it will improve his endurance. Last season, Orze played at 195 pounds, but after a dedicated offseason of strength work, he has bulked up to 209 pounds. The extra weight is intended to help him last through a long season that may include his major league debut and a significant amount of pitching with his signature splitter.
Orze has faced unique challenges in his journey to the majors. He is a two-time survivor of cancer, having beaten both testicular and skin cancer while attending the University of New Orleans. Despite these obstacles, Orze was drafted by the Mets in the fifth round of the 2020 draft. He quickly rose through the ranks, reaching Triple-A Syracuse in 2021. However, his progression stalled, and he is now looking to reignite his career.
One of the main weapons in Orze’s pitching arsenal is his splitter. This pitch has a deceptive drop that consistently leads to strikeouts. Last season, Orze found himself struggling as he was not utilizing his splitter as often as he should have. He was only throwing his best pitch around 30-35 percent of the time, resulting in poor performance. However, towards the end of the season, Orze increased his splitter usage to 60-65 percent and saw significant improvements in his results.
Orze recognizes that his fastball is not his strongest pitch and that he needs to rely more on his splitter. In analyzing his struggles over the past two seasons, he noticed that a majority of the damage was done against his lesser offerings, particularly middle-middle fastballs. By leaning heavily on his splitter, Orze hopes to minimize these mistakes and increase his chances of reaching the major leagues.
The Mets are in need of reliable relief pitchers this season, and Orze hopes to be a part of that solution. With his increased weight and renewed focus on his splitter, he aims to contribute to the team’s success. While he may not have the standout velocity of some other pitchers, Orze’s resilience and determination make him a compelling prospect to watch.
In conclusion, Eric Orze, a Mets relief pitcher, is entering the season with added weight and a renewed focus on his splitter. After overcoming testicular and skin cancer, Orze is determined to make an impact in the major leagues. By utilizing his best pitch more often, he hopes to improve his performance and contribute to the team’s success. Keep an eye on Orze this season as he strives to prove himself in the Mets’ bullpen.
