Draft Preview: Q&A with Ross Detwiler

Missouri State’s Ross Detwiler, a junior southpaw pitcher, was a consensus preseason All-American, and many expect him to go high in this year’s draft. On Friday, Detwiler earned a decision over South Dakota State, in which he scattered two hits and three walks over eight innings while surrendering just one run. After the game, RC’s Kevin Agee caught up with Detwiler for an interview.

Royals Corner: First and foremost, Ross, what pitches do you throw?

Ross Detwiler: Well, I start off mainly in the first couple of innings with a fastball, curveball, and I’ll mix my changeup in when [the offense] singles out pitches.

RC: I noticed you mixed in your changeup today, especially after you ran into some trouble in the fourth inning.

RD: Well, when they were in fastball counts, they were just sitting on fastballs, and you can deceive them easier with the changeup that way.


Detwiler improved his record to 2-1 on Friday, and he's now struck out 32 batters in 29.1 IP while surrendering just 11 hits and 10 walks

RC: Your performance in the Valley tournament last year was exceptional. That’s a big-time pressure situation. How did you step up your game and pitch your best at the most important time?

RD: I started getting focused for that game a couple of days before when we were going to Wichita. While we were up there, I was focusing the entire time, and when I got out there on the mound, everything felt good. I felt really loose.

RC: You’ve spent some time in the Cape Cod League, and you were with Team USA. How did that experience help you prepare for your career down the road?

RD: I was playing against the top people of my age in the world, and facing all the hitters, if you make one mistake, they’re gonna hit it out. You know, you’ve really got to bear down, and it really helped me mentally, mostly. I think it helped me with my focus.

RC: More specifically, what adjustments do you need to make to take the next step, and become an even better pitcher than you are now?

RD: I think just getting ahead in the counts early, and throwing all three pitches for strikes. If you throw all three pitches for strikes, they’ll start chasing out of the zone.