Bryan Morris having success after simplifying mechanics

After making a slight change to his pitching mechanics this spring, Pirates reliever Bryan Morris is already seeing positive results to start the 2014 season, per MLB.com.

Morris is averaging 95.2 mph on his fastball, which is up from 94.1 mph last season. He also has added some sink to the pitch.

Morris' strikeout rate is also up, as he is striking out 7.0 batters per nine innings after striking out 5.1 batters per nine in 2013.

"Early in the spring, we made a slight adjustment with my mechanics and basically we simplified everything," Morris said. "When I simplify everything, everything kind of just started falling in line and that just made it easier for me on the mound. All I had to worry about was going out and throwing the ball in the zone and competing.

"I got a little better with my fastball command in spring training, and that allowed me to attack with my fastball and then use my other pitches later in the count."