Matt Blake’s Masterclass: Three Firemen Becoming Aces

Matt Blake’s arrival instantly elevated Camilo Doval, Jake Bird, and David Bednar—spin rates ticked up, velocity crept higher, and their breaking stuff sharpened, all without a single one-on-one session.

In the coming weeks, Blake will deploy precision mechanics work to lock down their release points, reinforce hip-to-shoulder sequencing for added pop, and redefine each pitcher’s sequencing so hitters never settle in.

Those data-driven tweaks and pitch-mix overhauls will yield clearer command, crisper spin, and a signature wipeout offering for each arm. By midseason, these former high-leverage specialists will boast starter-level durability, ace-caliber metrics, and the shutdown prowess of a staff’s top option.