Backhus, 28, didn’t throw hard coming out of Sam Houston State. He wasn’t drafted, signing a Minor League contract with Arizona as a free agent in 2021. He threw from about a three-quarter arm slot. He was OK.
But his pitching coach Barry Enright suggested a lower arm angle when he became a full-time reliever in 2022.
“I knew with my velo that I needed to do something different to get through the ranks,” Backhus said. “When I dropped down, it was just night and day with what I was able to do. I was able to add a sweeper to it. The sinker got bigger. The extension just grew as I lowered my slot. It just always felt comfortable. It felt natural.”
Dylan Moore is in camp as a candidate to win the Phillies’ final bench job. He faced Backhus a couple times last year. He laughed when he heard Backhus describe how his sidearm delivery looks to hitters.
Moore explained why.
“When a guy is throwing from a lower arm slot, you always feel like it’s going to be softer, but it gets on you quick,” he said. “I think there’s an extension factor and a velo factor that you just don’t normally see.”
Backhus’ conversation with Enright changed his life. He rose through the ranks, which he wouldn’t have done if he hadn’t changed. He made his MLB debut on June 8. He pitched a scoreless inning against the Reds.
Backhus had a 4.62 ERA in 32 appearances last year. He enjoyed his rookie season, but he wanted to get better. It’s why he added muscle. It’s why he is working on a changeup to complement his sinker and sweeper.
If those things come together, Backhus could be in Philly on Opening Day.
Sunday was a nice start.
