Arizona Diamondbacks starter Ryne Nelson is well known for his four-seam fastball. It's a pitch that he's been especially proud of, and for good reason. But it appears he has introduced a new pitch into his arsenal to compliment the four-seamer, that being a two-seam fastball.

Ryne Nelson's Four-Seam Dominance Turns Negative in 2026

Apr 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Nelson's fastball averages 96 MPH and tops out around 98. Statcast pitch metrics measured it to have a 19.2 Induced Vertical Break, or IVB in 2025 and 18.9 in 2026. League average is around 16.

IVB is simply a modern way to describe what was traditionally referred to as "ride." A fastball with a high IVB is considered to have a "rising" effect.…