Rays pitcher Jake Odorizzi is working on a splitter this spring, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Odorizzi has worked with Alex Cobb during camp on the pitch. Cobb started throwing a splitter/changeup hybrid in 2009. It was a big part of his success in the majors last season. Odorizzi asked Cobb to show him how to grip the pitch, and has been working on it ever since. Odorizzi used his first two spring appearances to refine the pitch. "At this point there’s nothing wrong with throwing it to death," Odorizzi said. "My other pitches are fine right now. They feel perfect."
Odorizzi is fighting for the final spot in the team's rotation this spring. He posted a 3.94 ERA in 29 2/3 innings last year.