Player Overview
Zach plesac – Zachary Plesac, born on March 28, 1996, is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB). Plesac attended Ball State University, where he played college baseball for the Ball State Cardinals.
Plesac was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 12th round of the 2016 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Indians in 2019 and has since become a key member of the team’s starting rotation.
Career Highlights
- American League All-Star (2021)
- Finished 8th in AL Rookie of the Year voting (2019)
- Led the AL in fewest walks per 9 innings (1.53) in 2021
- Named to the MLB All-Rookie Team (2019)
- Won a silver medal with the United States national baseball team at the 2019 WBSC Premier12
Personal Life
Plesac is married to Emily Plesac, and they have one child together.
Pitching Stats
Plesac is a right-handed pitcher who throws a four-seam fastball, a changeup, and a curveball.
| Year | W-L | ERA | K | IP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 8-6 | 4.33 | 143 | 122.2 |
| 2020 | 4-2 | 2.28 | 53 | 55.2 |
| 2021 | 10-6 | 4.67 | 122 | 150.1 |
| 2022 | 3-12 | 4.31 | 102 | 144.1 |
Pitching Style and Analysis: Zach Plesac
Zach Plesac’s pitching style is characterized by a deceptive delivery and a diverse pitch repertoire. He primarily relies on a four-seam fastball, which he can throw with good velocity and command, as well as a changeup and a curveball.
Pitch Repertoire
- Four-seam fastball: Plesac’s primary pitch, averaging 92-94 mph, with good movement and command.
- Changeup: A well-developed changeup that drops sharply, providing him with a strong weapon against right-handed batters.
- Curveball: A sharp, 12-6 curveball that he uses to keep hitters off balance and generate strikeouts.
Strengths, Zach plesac
- Deceptive delivery: Plesac has a unique, quick, and deceptive delivery that makes it difficult for batters to pick up his pitches.
- Good control: He consistently throws strikes and has a low walk rate, giving him an advantage in extended outings.
- Pitch mix: The combination of his fastball, changeup, and curveball gives him a versatile repertoire that can keep hitters guessing.
Weaknesses
- Durability: Plesac has had some issues with durability, missing time due to injuries in recent seasons.
- Command at times: While he generally has good control, there are occasional lapses where he struggles to locate his pitches effectively.
Team Contributions and Impact
Zach Plesac has been a valuable asset to the Cleveland Guardians organization since joining the team in 2019. His contributions have extended beyond his on-field performance, as he has also emerged as a leader in the clubhouse.
Plesac’s impact on the Guardians’ performance has been significant. In his first full season with the team in 2020, he posted a 4.04 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 12 starts. He also struck out 68 batters in 69.2 innings pitched. In 2021, Plesac took a step forward, posting a 4.57 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 25 starts. He also struck out 151 batters in 149.2 innings pitched.
Plesac has been a key contributor to the Guardians’ success in recent years. He has played a vital role in the team’s rotation and has been a consistent performer. He has also shown the ability to step up in big games and deliver when it matters most.
Leadership Qualities
In addition to his on-field contributions, Plesac has also emerged as a leader in the Guardians’ clubhouse. He is a vocal leader who is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with his teammates. He is also a positive role model who sets a good example for others.
Plesac’s leadership qualities have been praised by his teammates and coaches. He is a respected figure in the clubhouse and is someone that others look up to. He is a valuable asset to the Guardians both on and off the field.
Notable Performances
Plesac has had several notable performances during his time with the Guardians. In 2020, he threw a complete game shutout against the Chicago White Sox. He also pitched a seven-inning no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021.
These performances are a testament to Plesac’s talent and potential. He is a young pitcher with a bright future ahead of him. He is a key part of the Guardians’ rotation and is someone that the team can count on to deliver big performances.
