Braves' Playoff Odds Plummet Amid Injuries, Underperformance

The New York Mets' starting rotation has exceeded expectations this season, boasting the lowest collective ERA in baseball, thanks in part to the adoption of the 'kick change'—a hybrid changeup-splitter pitch that has gained popularity since its introduction to MLB last year. Pitchers Clay Holmes, Tylor Megill, and Griffin Canning have all incorporated the kick change into their arsenals, contributing to a combined 2.66 ERA over 21 starts. This innovation reflects a broader data-driven trend in pitching, where players are motivated to experiment and quickly adopt successful new techniques. Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner describes MLB as a 'copycat league,' emphasizing how quickly effective strategies spread among players. The kick change offers a unique combination of changeup grip and spin with splitter-like vertical movement and increased velocity, proving instrumental in the Mets’ early-season success.