ESPN’s Law: D-backs’ Braden Shipley No. 22 among prospects

With one pitcher heading down to the minors, another pitcher could soon be making a case for a call-up to the majors.

ESPN writer Keith Law created a list of the top 50 prospects in baseball, and Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Braden Shipley was came in No. 22 in the rankings.

Shipley has a swing-and-miss changeup and above-average curveball, but has found success this year in Triple-A by trying to miss fewer bats, generating ground balls instead — which he has done well, posting a 46 percent ground-ball rate and another 6 percent going for popups. Shipley’s four-seamer can reach 95 but sits more average, and the key for him has been working down in the zone more effectively. He’s a great athlete and former position player with a very clean delivery, and while I don’t think there’s huge upside here, he has a high floor and should be able to pitch in the majors this summer.

In Triple-A Reno this year, the right-hander leads the team with seven wins, 70 strikeouts, a 3.85 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP.

With the D-backs’ current pitching situation, Shipley could be closer to making his first MLB start.

Related

Savannah Bananas coming to Chase Field for first timeWith Jeremiyah Love out, who steps up in the Cardinals’ running backs room?Jordan Ott recognized among the league’s best coaches in annual NBA GM surveyCardinals-Rams Week 6 injury report: Jeremiyah Love ruled outKenny Dillingham: Cutter Boley will face ‘big test’ vs. top-10 Texas Tech‘I hate that team up north:’ Noah Fifita adds fuel to the Territorial Cup rivalry