Jon Gray Tipping Pitches

The Mets crushed Jon Gray on Monday night. Gray's been very good for the Rangers this season but the Mets found something that gave them a huge advantage.

Pay attention to Gray's hand when he comes set.

SL - hand goes back and rotates, can see the entire back of his hand from CF.

FB - goes straight into the glove, no rotation.

The Mets found this from the start of the game and were on Gray from the jump.

vs Fastball: Mets went 6 for 9 (2 HR), 11% whiff. The first HRs Grays given up on the FB.

vs Slider: Mets went 3 for 9, 23% whiff (36% whiff for season)

Some more examples (.5 speed):

The Rangers also saw Gray was tipping so when he came out in the 3rd inning he changed his pre-pitch set up. His hand started at his belt in an attempt to get rid of the movement where he was tipping.

Gray had a better inning but he forgot in the last AB to McNeil (2nd pitch in video below). You can see Gray with his hand down by his leg again and he hesitates before he comes set.

I went back to Gray's previous start on 6/12 vs Dodgers to see if he was tipping. There was no difference between his fastball and slider though. This tip started with the Mets game. Fantastic job by the Mets to find that right as the game started.

Grey is lined up to start next against the Brewers. I'm sure the Rangers will work with him to either get rid of the tip or start with his hand at his belt to eliminate the movement all together.