Reds pitcher J.J. Hoover struggled in 2014, going 1-10 with a 4.88 ERA, but he focused on turning things around this offseason and has seen early returns on his work, opening the season with wins in his first two appearances, MLB.com reports.
"Last year, unfortunately, I was not executing pitches as well as I am this year," Hoover said. "That is what I was working on all last season. That is what I worked on all offseason -- pretty much the basics."
Hoover recorded 10 straight losses last season, setting a franchise record for relievers.
"He had similar stuff, his velocity was the same, his curveball was the same, but the location of his mix of pitches, and particularly his fastball, was really a step backwards last year," manager Bryan Price said.
Hoover has yet to allow a run in 3 1/3 innings this season while striking out four and walking none.