Strange Lowe

Derek Lowe tossed a shutout on May 15, 2012. Mark it down.

Three points of significance:

1. It was Lowe’s first shutout since 2005 and the fourth of his career
2. He didn’t strike out a single batter
3. He shelved his slider and cutter for the night

There’s a connection between Lowe’s pitch mix and whiff rate.

Check out the mix and whiff rates for Lowe’s starts from 2008 through 2012, excluding the shutout in question (13,440 pitches).

Note the swing-and-missy slider, thrown one of four pitches.

And May 15, 2012 (127 pitches).

Strange, eh? Talk about pitching to contact.