Mike Trout is one of the best fastball hitters in baseball. Since 2015, his numbers against fastballs are elite—batting averages over .300, slugging percentages in the .500s and .600s, and a whiff rate well below league average. Lance Lynn throws more fastballs than anyone in the league, sitting around 88 percent. On paper, this should be a dream matchup for Trout. But it isn’t.
Against Lynn, Trout’s numbers drop significantly. In 28 plate appearances, his batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging all fall below his career marks. Lynn, despite throwing fastballs as his main weapon, finds a way to frustrate Trout. In a recent game, their matchup told the same story. In three at-bats, Trout worked a walk once but struck out twice. Lynn attacked with fastballs in the zone, even on 0-2 counts, and Trout couldn’t square them up. He swung and missed multiple times, something he rarely does, especially on pitches in the zone.
Lynn’s ability to stick with his fastball and still beat a hitter like Trout makes him unique. He doesn’t pitch afraid. He throws strikes, even to hitters known for punishing mistakes. The numbers and the approach show why Lynn remains a tough puzzle for one of the best hitters in the game.