A higher strikeout rate has played a big role in Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto's success this season.
For the first time in his career, Cueto is striking out over a batter per inning. He's seen his strikeout rate jump from 21.1 percent last year, to 28.8 percent in 2014. Cueto isn't doing anything different, either. He's working with virtually the same repertoire, and he hasn't seen a major velocity increase. Despite that, he's been able to post one of the highest swinging strike rates of his career.
Even if he sees some regression, Cueto should turn in an effective season the rest of the way. The bigger question is whether injuries will keep him from tossed 200+ innings for the second time in his career.