Finnegan credits a lower arm slot for his career-best performance in 2019, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.
Until last season, the 28-year-old threw nearly straight over the top, but after a suggestion from Oakland's minor-league pitching coordinator last spring, he lowered his slot and found that it added movement to his fastball while also improving his command. "It just kind of clicked right away," Finnegan said. While he'd already been optioned to Double-A Harrisburg before spring training was put on pause, the right-hander could still be in the mix for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen as part of an expanded Nats roster.