Unable to contribute to the team the way he would like at the moment, Matt Riley turned his attention toward other matters that will help the York Revolution.

As in developing a third and fourth devastating pitch.

Riley, 30, said Sunday afternoon that he and Revolution pitching coach Mark Mason are experimenting with a split-finger fastball and a cutter.

Ideally, Riley will master the split because he already boasts the velocity necessary to make the pitch effective. That would be a nice complement to his mid-90s fastball and terrific curve ball.

“We started messing with a split-finger fastball and it’s been working out really well,” Riley said. “It’s not quite game-ready yet. But that’s something we’ll take in (to consideration). Also a cut-fastball, too. That’s something you’ll see me experiment with more when I begin starting.”

For what it’s worth, Riley appears to already pack plenty to be successful in the Atlantic League. He impressed on Sunday, allowing only one hit and no runs in a scoreless inning out of the bullpen.

But Riley realizes that his success at a higher level could hinge on his ability to develop another pitch. Thus the odyssey in working with the splitter and cutter.

Riley is slated to make his first start for the Revs Saturday night at Lancaster.

Filed under: Camden Riversharks, Player Profiles, York Revolution