F.A.Q.

Answer:  Moving to Triple-A could provide Estes the opportunity to refine his skills without the pressures of the major leagues. However, it also exposes him to the risk of damaging his confidence if he continues to struggle, especially in a hitter-friendly environment where his fly-ball rate might increase.

Answer:  Estes' low walk rate demonstrates his ability to control the strike zone, but a high strikeout rate would indicate effectiveness in putting hitters away. Conversely, his low strikeout rate suggests he may be overly reliant on contact rather than inducing misses, which can lead to high earned run averages.

Answer:  Estes' high fly-ball rate significantly impairs his effectiveness, especially in hitter-friendly environments. It exposes him to more home runs, particularly in leagues like Triple-A, which are known for power hitters. Reducing this rate will be crucial for his success at the MLB level.

Answer:  To enhance his strikeout rate, Joey Estes should focus on refining his pitch repertoire, specifically by incorporating a more effective secondary pitch that can induce swings and misses. This could involve developing a sharper breaking ball or a more deceptive changeup to complement his fastball, allowing him to keep hitters off balance.