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Pirates Pitcher Urquidy Focuses on Fastball Velocity in Spring Training Debut
Urquidy aims to adapt to a perceived shrinking strike zone as he joins the Pittsburgh Pirates this season.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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In his first spring training appearance for the Pittsburgh Pirates, starting pitcher Jose Urquidy's main focus was on increasing the velocity of his fastball in order to adapt to what he views as a shrinking strike zone in Major League Baseball.
Why it matters
As Urquidy transitions to a new team and league, his ability to make adjustments to his pitching approach will be crucial to his success. Increasing fastball velocity is a common strategy for pitchers looking to combat a perceived tightening of the strike zone from umpires.
The details
Urquidy, who was acquired by the Pirates in the offseason, made his spring training debut against the Minnesota Twins. Rather than focusing on his full repertoire of pitches, Urquidy said his priority was working on getting more velocity on his fastball, which he believes is necessary to combat the shrinking strike zone he has observed in MLB.
- Urquidy made his spring training debut for the Pirates on February 27, 2026.
The players
Jose Urquidy
A starting pitcher who was acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the offseason and is focused on increasing his fastball velocity in spring training.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Major League Baseball team that acquired Urquidy in the offseason and is working with him to adapt his pitching approach in spring training.
Minnesota Twins
The opposing team that Urquidy faced in his spring training debut with the Pirates.
What they’re saying
“When Jose Urquidy made his spring training debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates, his primary concern was attacking what he views as a shrinking strike zone.”
— Kevin Gorman, Reporter (monvalleyindependent.com)
The takeaway
As pitchers like Urquidy adjust to perceived changes in the strike zone, increasing fastball velocity has become a common strategy to combat tighter umpiring. Urquidy's focus on this adjustment will be crucial as he transitions to a new team and league this season.
