Entering the 2022 season, Wil Crowe had a lot to prove. The former second-round pick had posted a 5.48 ERA in his first season with the Pirates in 26 games. However, during the first few weeks of the 2022 campaign, he has been a different pitcher. Working exclusively out of the bullpen for the first time in his career, Crowe has been nearly unhittable. Although the regular season is just getting started, he has been one of baseball’s best pitchers.
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Early Season Success
Through five appearances, the 27-year-old has yet to allow a run. Crowe is currently tied for the team lead with 15 strikeouts, while only walking four batters. As the Pittsburgh bullpen has been relied on heavily in the early going, Crowe has been their most trusted arm. For a pitcher who spent the majority of his career in a rotation, the transition has been seamless.
Additionally, Crowe has shown excellent control. In 12 innings of work, he has only allowed four hits and been able to pitch out of trouble. Opponents are only hitting .103 against the right-hander, which is more than 100 points lower than last season. While filling various roles, he has made adjustments and shown why the Pirates hold him in high regard.
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Crowe’s New Home is a ‘Relief’
So far this season, Crowe has been quicker to the plate. When opponents have reached base, he has not let things spiral out of control. In 2021 that was his Achilles heel, as he allowed 126 hits. As the Kingston, TN native has been more effective on the mound, he has the most innings pitched while still having an ERA of 0.00. For a Pirates bullpen that entered the season with a lot of question marks, Crowe has been key to their success.
While the sample size is small, Crowe has shown the pitcher he can be over the last few weeks. He has become vital to the bullpen and found consistency he rarely showed as a starter. He also gives the Pirates an arm that can go multiple innings. Along with Dillon Peters, Pittsburgh now has a formidable duo in the bullpen. If Crowe can continue his recent success, the bullpen will be in good hands.
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