Can Cecconi Turn It Around?

Can Cecconi Turn It Around?

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitching rotation has had a turbulent season, with Slade Cecconi’s journey becoming one of its most talked-about narratives. This talented young pitcher has faced numerous demotions to the minors, a sign of both the challenges and the potential he brings to the team. Cecconi’s season began with a promising start in the Major Leagues, but it quickly transformed into a series of setbacks, shifts in roles, and moments of brief success.

Early Season Promise, Followed by Setbacks

Cecconi’s journey to the Majors began on April 21st when he was called up from AAA-Reno to replace the injured Merrill Kelly. Initially, he showcased his talent with standout performances against the Giants and Mariners, hinting at his potential to become a key player in the Diamondbacks’ rotation. However, this early success was short-lived. Over his next 12 appearances, he only managed two quality starts, with his struggles becoming apparent in a four-inning outing against the Braves in July, where he allowed three runs.

Transition to Relief Role Revives Performance—Briefly

The Diamondbacks then decided to shift Cecconi to a relief role in AAA, hoping a change in pitching style would help. This strategy paid off, as Cecconi’s confidence was reignited. Utilizing a new pitch approach—leaning more on his curveball and slider—he achieved a remarkable 37% strikeout rate in his first three appearances from the bullpen. However, after returning to the Majors on July 29th, his success was short-lived as familiar struggles re-emerged, leading to a fourth demotion back to Reno in early August.

Refining His Pitch Mix in AAA

In AAA, Cecconi focused on a strategic pitch mix that balanced fastballs and secondary pitches while avoiding changeups. Over a 9.2-inning stretch, he held opposing hitters to a .505 OPS and achieved an impressive 28.5% strikeout rate with a 26.5% whiff rate. This approach allowed Cecconi to gain control over his pitching, boosting his confidence and earning him another shot in the Majors.

Struggles with Pitch Location Continue to Plague Performance

Despite these adjustments, Cecconi’s pitch location remained a challenge. He consistently threw pitches in the strike zone but frequently placed them in the “heart” of the zone—a hitter-friendly area. According to Baseball Savant, Cecconi’s season average for throwing pitches in the zone sits at 56.1%, placing him in the top ten of all qualified pitchers. Unfortunately, 30.3% of his pitches ended up in the most dangerous areas, allowing hitters to make easy contact over 56.5% of the time.

This tendency persisted even in his AAA stints, where he frequently targeted the center of the zone. While this approach didn’t hurt him in the minors, it became a glaring issue in the Majors, highlighting his ongoing struggle with command and pitch control.

Future Uncertain as Diamondbacks Deliberate Next Steps

Cecconi’s journey back to the Major Leagues remains in question. The Diamondbacks may decide to keep him in AAA, giving him additional time to fine-tune his command and pitch accuracy. His potential is undeniable, but Cecconi’s path to becoming a consistent force in the Majors is still a work in progress.