The Yankees' backup move is discussed by A's closer Mason Miller

During Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, Foul Territory gathered a number of MLB players to discuss the game in progress and provide some of their own insight into what it's like to play against these guys. One of the guys they were talking about was New York Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle, who pitched a scoreless ninth inning while relying heavily on his changeup.

The talking point that was brought up was how a guy who makes his transitions so often can be so effective. Why don't hitters just sit on the changeup since he throws it “90% of the time”?

Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinny Pasquantino said: “It sucks mentally. He'll throw the heater at me. He must!”

A's closer Mason Miller agreed: “That's just music to a pitcher's ears.”

Host Scott Braun then asked hitters on the feed why it bothers them when he throws a fastball once and they look stupid, but if they're prepared for the changeup, they should be able to have more success.

Pasquantino said, “You don't want to miss the heater,” while Brent Rooker added, “You want to hit the fastball.” He throws his changeup 90% of the time for a reason, because it's a really good pitch. So when he throws his not-so-good shot, I want to hit it.”

During the regular season this year, Kahnle threw the changeup 73% of the time, which is just a touch less than in 2023 when he used it 75% of the time. While the overall thought process doesn't change much, the difference between a one in five chance of seeing a heater and a one in ten chance, as they put it, seems like a big difference.

In six appearances this postseason, Kahnle is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in seven innings. On Friday night, all 18 pitches he threw were changeups.