One pitch that has been extremely effective for SF Giants starter Landen Roupp in 2026

Hitters know that they will see a curveball during Landen Roupp's start, but it is another pitch that has been equally as effective. The young SF Giants hurler has thrown his changeup 70 times in 2026, and has not yet allowed a hit.

One pitch that has been extremely effective for SF Giants starter Landen Roupp in 2026

In four turns through the rotation, Roupp has been the Giants' best starter. He has pitched to a 2.38 ERA in 22.2 frames. He continues to excel at keeping the ball on the ground and in the ballpark. In fact, he has not allowed a home run yet this year.

The right-handed pitcher has also shown improvement in his control. So far, he has recorded a 2.8 BB/9 rate, down from a 3.9 BB/9 career mark.

One of the qualities that has stood out in Roupp's brief career is that he is comfortable pitching with traffic on the bases. That trait is reminiscent of Logan Webb, which also reminded me of Matt Cain.

Roupp has the stuff to get himself out of jams, and he has been able to do that effectively this season. In the sixth inning of Thursday's 3-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds, Roupp allowed the first two runners to reach base. He then struck out Matt McLain, followed by getting Elly De La Cruz to ground into a double play.

That double play came on a curveball, which has often gotten him out of jams this year. However, it was the changeup that set up the at-bat. The switch-hitting De La Cruz was hitting from the left side to gain the platoon advantage. Roupp has leaned on his changeup to neutralize that advantage, and he did it in that at-bat to steal a couple of strikes.

That pitch has evolved into a reliable option for Roupp. The curveball will be there when he needs it, but the changeup gives hitters a different look.

When Roupp finished last season, I think the next step in his career was to show improvement in his control or add another pitch to his arsenal. He is doing both of those things in 2026. The changeup looks improved, but he has also introduced a new cutter.

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