A Comparison of Pitching Styles Between Walker Buehler and Zac Gallen

On a recent episode of the Just Baseball Show on TikTok, Los Angeles Dodgers ace Walker Buehler took some time to analyze his pitching style compared to that of Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen. Both pitchers rely on a similar mix of pitches including a fastball, curveball and cutter or slider. However, Buehler pointed out some subtle differences in how they attack left-handed and right-handed hitters that influence their approaches on the mound.

Similar Pitch Repertoires

Buehler noted that he and Gallen feature somewhat overlapping repertoires, each throwing a four-seam fastball that jumps on hitters, along with an effective curveball and cutter or slider. This gives both right-handers a balanced mix of velocity, movement and deception to keep hitters off balance. Their similarities in stuff allow for an insightful comparison of how they sequence and locate their pitches against batters from both sides of the plate.

Slight Differences in Approach

The main difference Buehler pointed to is in their secondary pitches - Gallen throws a harder changeup that is tougher for left-handed hitters to pick up, while Buehler favors a slider that slides away from righties. This influences how they position themselves on the mound. Gallen works from the third base side to hide the ball better from lefties using his changeup and Buehler works halfway toward first base to do the same against righties with his slider. These subtle tactical adjustments help each pitcher nullify any advantages the opposing hitter may have based on handedness.

Analyzing the Matchups

In summarizing his analysis, Buehler stated that while their stuff is similar overall, Gallen may have a slight edge against left-handed batters while he himself would have the upper hand against righties, based on the pitch each throws that is toughest for that handedness to handle. It was an insightful breakdown into the nuances of pitching by two hurlers with comparable arsenals but refined approaches tailored to their individual strengths.

Takeaways for Fans

Buehler's discussion with the Just Baseball Show provided baseball fans a fascinating peek under the hood at how even small differences in pitch selection or approach can impact in-game matchups and strategies. Advanced analysis of pitching styles between talented hurlers like Buehler and Gallen offers greater insight into the chess match unfolding on the mound each time a batter steps into the box.

FAQs

Q1: What are the main pitches thrown by Walker Buehler and Zac Gallen?

A1: Both rely primarily on a four-seam fastball, curveball and a secondary pitch - a cutter for Buehler and a harder changeup for Gallen.

Q2: How do their pitching approaches differ against left-handed and right-handed batters?

A2: Gallen works from the third base side to hide his changeup better from lefties, while Buehler strains halfway toward first to disguise his slider moving away from right-handed hitters.

Q3: Which pitcher may have an advantage against lefties and which against righties based on their arsenals?

A3: Gallen's changeup gives him a slight edge vs lefties, while Buehler's slider plays up better against right-handed hitting.

Q4: What can fans learn from analyzing pitching matchups like this between Buehler and Gallen?

A4: It offers greater insight into the tactical adjustments pitchers make on the mound and how even subtle differences in approach can influence outcomes.

Q5: What TikTok account provided the original analysis between Buehler and Gallen?

A5: The Just Baseball Show account on TikTok, hosted by Content Owner Just Baseball Fans.