Battling for Control: Ethan Stewart
Published on May 30, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
In 2013, the Threshers' left-handed hurler issued more walks than any other pitcher in the Florida State League.
Stewart finished last year with a 6.00 ERA, having walked 80 batters in 96 innings in his first season of Hi-A ball.
Yet, Stewart managed to wrap up the summer on a high note. August was by far his strongest stretch of the season, when the southpaw went six innings and allowed two earned runs or less in each of his last three outings. More importantly, he kept the free passes to a minimum, walking three or fewer in his final six appearances.
The 23-year old from Campbell River, British Columbia is somewhat of an imposing figure on the hill, with a 6'5", 210-pound frame. A former member of the Canadian Junior National team alongside fellow Phillies farmhand Steven Inch, Stewart went on to pitch for New Mexico Junior College.
The Phillies picked up Stewart as a 47th round draft pick in 2010, and over the next few years he managed to raise his fastball velocity from the low-mid 80's to low-90's. Stewart also possesses a big breaking curveball, and a changeup which he has utilized much more frequently and effectively in 2014.
Though Stewart showcases a build and a repertoire that earned him a No. 18 ranking on the Phillies top prospects list by MLB.com entering 2012, the southpaw has undergone a series of adjustments as he battles to harness his skill set.
"Last year, I was tweaking something every week," Stewart says.
He and Threshers' pitching coach Bob Milacki have worked persistently on fixing mechanical issues, such as stride length and keeping his front side closed.
But the biggest battle, perhaps, has been the mental side.
"When I think about it now, it was more confidence and things in my head that were messing me up," Stewart says.
For one, he recognized the necessity for aggression on the mound. While working to find a consistent and effective delivery, Stewart is also trying to adopt a dominant mental approach.
"You kind of just want to go out there and 'kill' the batter," he explains, "You want to make them look bad. Last year, I was kind of just throwing it to the glove."
The 2014 season saw a successful debut for Stewart, who held the Dunedin Blue Jays to only an unearned run on two hits and three walks in seven innings on April 4.
"I felt pretty good," he says. "After last year I've kind of refocused on changing a little bit of my mechanics and getting my confidence back."
The adjustments were apparent through five starts, when Stewart sported a 1.47 ERA while holding opponents to just a .224 average.
One marked improvement for Stewart in 2014 has been his utilization of the changeup.
"It hasn't really been there for the last couple years," Stewart says of his off-speed pitch. "I miss arm-side with it a lot, so I never really threw it."
This year, Stewart has worked to correct a mechanical flaw in his stride. This has helped him get his arm around on the changeup, and thus has granted him better command of the pitch.
He explains that while in the past he would throw his change only in emergency situations, now Stewart may go to it 15 to 20 times per game.
"Now I know I can locate it and throw it for a strike."
After a strong month of April in which Stewart posted a 3.18 ERA, the month of May has brought its share of setbacks. Stewart has surrendered 22 walks in 22.1 innings over his five starts since that opening stretch.
Stewart has displayed the full range of struggles and successes over the first two months of the season.
Take April 19th, a Saturday night start against the Lakeland Flying Tigers.
He walked Curt Powell after a seven-pitch battle to start the ballgame, but from there would not surrender a base on balls throughout the rest of the game. He showcased command of all three pitches to rack up a season-high seven strikeouts. He retired 13 straight at one point, and finished having allowed only two runs - one earned - in seven strong innings.
Yet, it was two outings later against Brevard County when a smattering of weakly hit singles spiraled into a line of eight runs in 3.1 innings. His next appearance also came against the Manatees, when he earned the win with a solid five innings - but issued more walks (6) than hits (5).
In the span of 10 days, the full spectrum of his potential, and the depths of his downfalls.
When in command, Ethan Stewart is undoubtedly effective.
The battle continues.
Florida State League Stories from May 30, 2014
- Brevard's Pitching Baffles St. Lucie Again in 3-1 Win - Brevard County Manatees
- Hammerheads Swept by Flying Tigers - Jupiter Hammerheads
- Manatees Beat Slumping Mets 3-1 - St. Lucie Mets
- Five-Run 8th Sends Threshers to Loss - Clearwater Threshers
- Walker Sparks Rally, Miracle Come Back for 7-4 Victory - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Battling for Control: Ethan Stewart - Clearwater Threshers
- Yankees to Kick Off June with Four Game Home stand at Steinbrenner Field - Tampa Yankees
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