Sean Sullivan: Spring velocity/metrics open possibilities for potential role

Sullivan showed some interesting fastball metrics in Spring, what would be the best way to utilize it?

Photo Credit: WTM

When the Pittsburgh Pirates announced their Non-Roster Invites for Spring Training, there were a lot of obvious names when it came to their top prospects.

Then, there was Sean Sullivan, an eighth-round college signing out of Cal back in 2021, who, despite putting up solid numbers last year, wasn’t exactly on the radar to get a Spring invite.

In his first full pro season back in 2022, Sullivan was roughed up by the long ball, which happens when playing most of your games in Greensboro.

He got out of the hitter-friendly league that is the South Atlantic and pitched in Altoona's much more pitcher-friendly surroundings, putting up much better numbers.

Sullivan posted a 3.88 ERA while striking out 97 batters in 113.2 innings pitched with the Curve.

His control has been a big part of his success, especially with his fastball. He does throw it overly hard (91-92) but commands it well, using it all over the strike zone.

I went back to look at his best start of the season in 2023 while facing a Harrisburg Senators lineup that featured Dylan Crews, Robert Hassell III, James Wood, and Brady House, Sullivan struck out nine batters over seven, one-run innings.