Phillies Pitcher Zach Eflin Believes Baseballs Have Changed Yet Again After 2019 Fiasco

In this long-ball era of the MLB where it seems like more and more home runs are hit each season, pitchers around the league have to wonder if it's them or the balls they're hurling. A record 6,779 dingers were hit in 2019 and dozens of pitchers voiced their concerns throughout last season.

Has the MLB been using juiced balls? League officials had dismissed that preposterous idea and the notion to alter its standard baseball, but one Philadelphia Phillies pitcher is convinced the ball has changed for the better.

No Phillies pitcher let up more home runs last year than Zach Eflin. The 2019 MLB season was filled with complaints that the balls were harder than normal and their seams were lower – but since arriving at Spring Training, Eflin says he can feel a significant difference in them.

The 25-year old claims the balls being used this year are softer with a more favorable texture around the seams. Eflin, who equated throwing last year's baseballs to throwing a cue ball, says he has a better grip on these new balls, which could help prevent blisters and other injuries. In his Spring Training debut Wednesday, Eflin pitched two hitless innings and looked in control on the mound.

Teammate Zach Wheeler said he too noticed the changes in the seams while Jake Arrieta hadn't felt any difference, but wasn't opposed to the idea of a softer ball.