Hey, 42 strikes in his last start out of 74 pitches. 4 swinging strikes. 45 out of 86 his previous outing. 2 swinging strikes. Maybe he'll do better vs major leaguers than he did in the minors. Not sure how you get to "third time through the order" when he's faced >18 batters one time this season (and that was by a single batter).
From what scouts of said - his fastball effectiveness isn't based on velocity, but vertical movement and that he doesn't lose effectiveness the more times teams and players are exposed to his four seamer. It also doesn't get flat with fatigue. His swing and miss rate was 30% a month or so ago that I checked, but I know that a lot players take against him assuming he will walk them. He mixes in the cutter which I don't think would be so effective without the fastball, but it blends well.
Maybe he just doesn't trust what Dr. Nick told him and wants a second opinion to confirm that it'll get better with rest?
Sounds like his fastball will be a great pitch for him if he's able to learn to control it. I get the enthusiasm for his ceiling. Javier's fastball is likewise effective because of vertical rise, and he was dominant with it back in 22. Maybe Ullola can pick up Javier's sweeper as a secondary at some point.
The whole season is just non-stump injury punishment. Blow after blow. A new player with a new injury. Hits never stop.
