Waste a pitch

In baseball, the art of ‘wasting a pitch’ is a calculated risk that showcases the pitcher’s strategic acumen. It’s a decision to deliver a pitch that the hitter is unlikely to hit, often when the pitcher is ahead in the count or setting up the following delivery.

The catcher plays a crucial role in this strategy, as they often signal for the ‘wasted pitch’ and must be prepared to react to the hitter’s response. Pitchers may choose to squander a pitch in various situations, including when they have two strikes on the batter and want to induce him to pursue a ball beyond the strike zone or when they are preparing a particular series of pitches to keep the hitter off-balance.

The strategic goal of squandering a pitch is to prevent the batter from receiving a solid pitch to hit, to set up the following pitch for a greater chance of getting the batter out, or to disrupt the hitter’s timing and expectations.

The potential benefits of ‘wasting a pitch’ are significant. If executed correctly, it can lead to getting the batter out or creating a favorable circumstance for the pitcher. However, if the wasted pitch is ineffective, it might result in a less favorable count for the pitcher or enable the hitter to predict the following pitch.