2026-03-23 player

How Imanaga Wins With High Fastballs

We explain how Imanaga's high-zone 4-seam works, through spin rate and release point.

Imanaga's 4-seam has only average velocity but thrives up in the zone thanks to a low release and high spin.

Hitters perceive 'rise,' so even in-zone high pitches draw fouls and whiffs.

He throws it 44.5% of the time yet limits the BAA to .163.

Setting it up top then finishing with the splitter is Imanaga's bread-and-butter pattern.