Prospect Peacock adds two-seamer; updates progress

Nationals right-handed pitcher Brad Peacock put in a lot of work in his most recent outing at accelerated camp as he tinkers with a new pitch. "It went alright," Peacock said. "The first guy I faced fouled off like 10 pitches. I am still working on some stuff." Peacock threw three innings this time, and expects to go four innings with a maximum 60 pitches on Wednesday. He'll be worked up to five innings and 75 pitches, which is standard for the starters. The Miami, Fla. native has worked hard on all his pitches during the winter, including the addition of a new fastball. "I am working on my two-seamer and my changeup," Peacock said. "I just started throwing a two-seamer. I usually have thrown all four-seam (fastballs)." His main priority with the two-seamer is to try to get a little movement on the pitch, according to Potomac Nationals pitching coach Paul Menhart. Peacock also is concentrating on locating inside on left-handed hitters, a situation he dealt with a lot last season. "That has been my problem for awhile," Peacock said. "I don't know why I can't do it, but I am working on it. I am going to get it." While working on a new fastball, Peacock continues to get outs with his four-seam fastball and his elusive curveball. "My curveball has definitely been working for me, and my four-seamer," Peacock said. "I have been able to locate it pretty well right now. I am happy about that." Peacock is also pleased with the results he is getting with his changeup, a pitch that has been helping him get through innings at a quicker pace. "I think my changeup is one of my better pitches right now," Peacock said. "I have been working on it during the offseason. I think it is getting a lot better. That is what I needed to work on. I feel like it is great right now." Peacock split time last season between Single-A Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg. He went a combined 6-11 with a 4.50 ERA with 25 starts, striking out 148 batters with only 47 free passes. He was named the Carolina League pitcher of the week in mid-July. Peacock was also a reliever in the Arizona Fall League this offseason, and did well, striking out 17 batters in nine appearances over 12 innings. His ERA was 4.50, due in large part to one inning against Mesa in which he allowed three runs and a homer. But in the other nine appearances, he allowed only three runs combined and walked only two hitters. "I loved playing in Arizona," Peacock said. "I wasn't even supposed to be there. I was glad the Nationals gave me a chance to go. It was a great experience."