DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: AL East—Doubront's velocity dips

Boston Red Sox

The velocity of the fastball of Felix Doubront (LHP, BOS) has been down significantly this season, and it caught up to him for the first time May 3, a 3 2/3-IP, 6 ER, 12 H PQS-0. Doubront’s average fastball in 29 starts last year was 92.7 mph; this year, it is 90.4 mph. In the May 3 start, he topped out at 91, with more of his fastballs in the 88-89 range.

While the loss of velocity is concerning, some of Doubront’s other numbers tell a more encouraging tale. For one, the dip in velocity has not hurt Doubront’s strikeout rate; in 27 IP, he has 31 Ks, a career-best pace. Doubront’s biggest problem is a 41% hit rate, which should regress. A 64% strand rate isn’t helping, either. Doubront’s 3.64 xERA suggests brighter days...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

McLain struggled to regain his 2023 form coming back from injury in 2025. Can he find that level again in 2026?
Feb 20 2026 3:30am
Can Jac Caglianone or Isaac Collins give the Royals a productive OF? Plus, looks at the CHW rotation, rookie hitters in Cleveland, the potential impact of Kevin McGonigle in DET, and the Twins bullpen.
Feb 19 2026 3:08am
As we enter spring training, what are some of the major questions for the AL West?
Feb 18 2026 3:08am
Chandler Simpson headlines a crowded outfield competition in Tampa Bay. Plus, an abundance of options are fighting to round out Boston's rotation, and more.
Feb 17 2026 3:05am
With Spring Training games starting this week, questions abound as fresh faces and new issues present themselves in camp, including SP and SS in ATL, RF in MIA & PHI, SS at NYM, 1B at WAS, and more.
Feb 16 2026 3:11am

Tools