Driver’s New Delivery Improves Control

OAKLAND—Righthander Dustin Driver experienced a breakthrough in instructional league that he hopes will lead to improved control.

The 2013 seventh-round pick out of Wenatchee (Wash.) High recorded a walk rate of 5.8 per nine innings in 2015, which he spent mostly at short-season Vermont, and he also has struggled to stay healthy.

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Given these factors, outgoing pitching coordinator Garvin Alston knew Driver was due for a change.

“He had a little swing in his leg,” said Alston, who left in November to become the Diamondbacks’ bullpen coach. “Once we started talking about his leg (in instructs), for whatever reason, his ball started to stay in the zone. Once we cleaned him up, his lower half started to stay more connected.”

“The leg swing was causing me to be up in the zone,” Driver said. “We went back and watched video and made the changes. Now I’m getting my feet underneath me and am more confident in my delivery.”

Driver hit 98 mph in instructs and sat 94-96 in his final appearance. The 21-year-old also throws a slider and a changeup, both of which need more consistency.

Driver has had limited opportunities to improve his offspeed stuff. He missed all of 2014 with a back injury, then returned last year to appear in 18 games and log 63 innings. He battled through blisters and allergy attacks to stay on the mound.

Driver fully committed to his career by moving to the Phoenix area for offseason conditioning. He makes a routine of
hiking the mountains and local rock formations.

Signability questions dropped Driver in the 2013 draft, but he ultimately came to terms for $500,000 rather than attend UCLA. He did receive college funds as part of his agreement with Oakland.

“For me, it was just getting college education paid for,” Driver said. “That made it a lot easier. I just knew you might only get one shot at (pro ball), and I wanted my shot.”

A’s ACORNS

• Righthander Raul Alcantara had surgery in December to repair a torn meniscus in his knee and is expected to be fully prepared for spring training. He missed most of 2015 recovering from Tommy John surgery

• The A’s ran an extensive Dominican camp beginning on Jan. 25, with many instructors in attendance.