Nationals pitchers Yovanny Cruz and Will Dion highlight command over velocity
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 2:50 PM
Last updated Aug 16, 2026
During a recent matchup against the New York Mets on August 15, 2026, Washington Nationals pitchers Yovanny Cruz and Will Dion showcased contrasting pitching styles. While Cruz threw an average fastball of 100 MPH, he failed to generate swings and misses, recording a 0% whiff rate. In contrast, Will Dion's slower fastball at 91 MPH proved more effective, featuring considerable induced vertical break and a 33.6% whiff rate. Dion's command and pitch shape have garnered attention as he aims to solidify his role in the Nationals' rotation, whereas Cruz may need to reconsider his approach given his struggles with command and effectiveness.
- •Cruz averaged 100 MPH but had 0% whiff rate on his fastball.
- •Dion's fastball generated over 20 inches of induced vertical break.
- •Dion recorded a 33.6% whiff rate on his fastball in recent outings.
- •Both pitchers acquired at the deadline from different teams.
- •Their performances impact the Nationals' pitching lineup moving forward.
- 2:50 PMYahoo Sports — New Nationals pitchers Yovanny Cruz and Will Dion are showing that velocity is not everything
"Despite throwing nearly 10 MPH slower, Will Dion has a much better fastball than Yovanny Cruz, here is why
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLB•Oct 17, 2026, 4:37 AMRays’ Kevin Cash names his Game 4 starter after Friday’s postponement
MLB•Oct 17, 2026, 4:13 AMNew York Yankees’ Latest Candidate Rumors Float Amid Aaron Boone Buzz
MLB•Oct 17, 2026, 4:05 AMHow Guardians’ Cade Smith deals with pitching in brutal October cold weather
MLB•Oct 17, 2026, 3:09 AMCould Recent Decision For Prospect in Arizona Fall League Impact 2027 Roster?
MLB•Oct 17, 2026, 2:59 AMRain out leaves Guardians fans less than thrilled after cold, wet night
MLB•Oct 17, 2026, 2:43 AMDodgers Made Huge Mistake With Shohei Ohtani Back In August