MLB Pitchers Struggle with Poor Quality Baseballs
Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen highlights ongoing issues with slick baseballs, impacting game performance.
- Kenley Jansen, Red Sox closer, criticizes the quality of MLB baseballs, describing them as too slick and hard to control.
- Jansen's frustration is echoed by other pitchers, including the Tampa Bay Rays' Pete Fairbanks, who also reported problems with ball grip.
- The issue has persisted throughout the season, affecting pitchers' ability to control their throws and contributing to game difficulties.
- MLB's 2021 crackdown on sticky substances has exacerbated the situation, leaving pitchers struggling for grip without adequate solutions.
- Despite the challenges, Jansen secured his 424th career save, tying with John Franco for the fifth most in MLB history.