Spring Observations: Pitchers
This post and another one Wednesday are meant to compile all spring observations of prospects on the big league side of camp before spring training was cut short. Today’s is for pitchers and Wednesday’s is position players.
Kyle Wright
Notes: More confidence on mound; attacked the zone better; notable pitch usage change; increase in secondary usage; combo of FB w/ cut/SL/CB is impact level; plus SL w/ late two-plane break; above-average CB w/ downward action and plus depth; cut FB above-average plays up inside to RHB; average to above command of all three in small sample; 2-seam/CH hittable on plate; lacks same bite as others.
Comments: It’s been said for a year or so that Wright either needed to reshape his fastballs or change his pitch usage. If spring training is any indication, the latter seems to be the new approach. Wright heavily utilized his plus slider to the point that it was his main pitch at times. He played off it with a fastball that showed cut action for a shorter, harder look, and a curveball for a deep, slower look. Effectively mixing all three and commanding them, as he did for the most part this spring, could be Wright’s ticket. On the other hand, a general rule for Wright is, if it moves arm-side it’s hittable. His two-seam and changeup were hittable. Batters tended to pick it up easier no matter the location. His arsenal may not end up as deep as past reports indicate, but it’s a matter of adjusting to major league hitters. This spring showed he’s doing that.
Tucker Davidson
Notes: Carried lively stuff into spring camp; FB popped up in the zone w/ velo; straight FB but plays up; CB sat above average, flashed plus; tight CB with plus depth and downward action; FB/CB tunnel very well; SL short but average-potential change of pace; lacked CH looks; goes after hitters & works quickly; 5+ arm speed; sturdy frame.
Comments: Davidson carried his breakout 2019 season into spring camp by impressing with lively stuff and confidence on the mound. He went after hitters with a lively fastball up and tunneled it very well with an above-average curve that flashed plus. The rest of his secondaries remained behind, but when you have two impact pitches that tunnel, you have wiggle room with the other secondaries. Davidson did show a lack of control in one outing that remains the one hold-up on going all in as a future rotation piece, but he was very impressive as he continues to develop as a starter prospect.
Kyle Muller
Notes: Pressed too much on mound; overthrew at times; lacked feel; stuff remained lively; flashed plus FB and above-average CB.
Comments: Muller’s weakness is command and control. His spring didn’t do much to quiet those concerns. It’s worth noting he appeared to press and was trying too hard, which made the lack of feel worse. Regardless, he still showed his lively stuff and remains an imposing presence with two to three major league pitches from a huge frame and quick arm. This spring further proved he should stay in Triple-A Gwinnett for an entire season.
Bryse Wilson
Notes: Worked to implement cutter more often; noticeably was playing 4-seam off cutter; secondaries lagged; inconsistent feel.
Comments: Wilson had a tough spring and was an early option to the minor league side. He was noticeably working his cut fastball more as a main pitch to get hitters off the 4-seam and lagging secondaries. There wasn’t a lot of success based on inconsistent feel and a short arsenal. He continues to profile as a reliever.
Patrick Weigel
Notes: Looked confident and like he belonged; attacked the zone with multiple pitches; FB had life in all quadrants; flashed CB above current grade w/ plus depth & downward action; deep mix of pitches for relief; commands everything.
Comments: Weigel further proved he’s ready for a major league shot. He looked like he belonged as a big league reliever. He went after hitters with a deep mix for a reliever, highlighted by a hard, sinking fastball and deep curve. He’s capable of mixing multiple breaking balls and a usable changeup for a lot of looks over one or two times through an order. He deserves a chance now.
Jasseel De La Cruz
Notes: Continued to look explosive on mound; plus arm speed; long, violent arm path; plus FB when in zone; short but impact-potential SL; stuff is hard and explosive.
Comments: De La Cruz will likely fight control throughout his career, but he harnesses his violent, explosive delivery well enough to make it work. That’s especially true in relief, where he can mask his control and short arsenal. It’s a prototypical late-innings relief profile with two lively pitches from a very quick arm. He should get a shot at major league relief soon.
Phil Pfeifer
Notes: Stuff doesn’t pop as much as others but gets most from it; commands 5+ CB with huge depth; tunnels CB well with average FB to help it play; needs to spot FB to get by; enough depth to pitch mix for one or two times through order.
Comments: Pfeifer has turned himself into a serviceable up/down option based on an ability to tunnel a usable FB with a strong curve. He manipulates his off-speed well and shows feel for it. It’s not an eye-popping mix, but he gets the most from it and has enough to offer the Braves depth innings if needed.