Ryan Franklin blew his third save in four tries Saturday night as the Giants staged a two-run rally in the ninth to defeat the Cardinals 3-2. Batters are 6 for 17 with two walks, a double and a homer against Franklin for a .353/.450/.588 slash line. There’s a good chance that this is just bad luck, but a look at Franklin’s fastball indicates something might have changed. He’s throwing it just as hard, but there’s not as much movement.

Ryan Franklin fastball movement, 2008-2010.

Franklin gets good movement away from right-handed batters, who hit .250/.297/.404 against him during this three year stretch. He’s not getting that movement this year:

Ryan Franklin fastball movement, 2011 season through April 9th.

Franklin’s pitches are coming in straight, and righties are hitting him. They are four for nine against him this season with a double and a home run. Franklin needs to get his movement back to return to success as a closer.

Thanks to Baseball Analytics for the heat maps.