We’re already approaching June and it’s becoming more difficult to be pessimistic about the progress of the 2018 pitcher draftees. Consistency has not been much of an issue to this point, as we haven’t seen violent swings in production on an individual or group level. Royals fans should hope that these young pitchers are poised to give us a lot more of what they did over the past week. 

From May 13-19, Lexington went 4-3, and Wilmington went 6-2. Both clubs saw some signs of life from their respective offenses, but it was the starting pitching that kept them in games and largely resulted in their success. 

From May 13-19, Singer, Kowar, and Lynch posted a collective ERA of 0.47 while striking out 24, and allowing just 1 walk. In that same window, Lexington starters Heasley, Bubic, Bowlan, and Cox put up a collective ERA of 1.86, with 35 strikeouts and 7 walks.

Again, what’s mentioned above is a narrowed focus on last year’s draft class. Wilmington’s Daniel Tillo and Marcelo Martinez, and Lexington’s Charlie Neuweiler do not figure in here, but they too are putting together productive seasons.

The weather is warming-for some of us, and the young 2019 season isn’t so young anymore. Those erratic early season numbers are becoming more concrete and the statistics are giving us a clearer landscape of individual productivity.

Numbers of Note:

Jon Heasley’s 8.20 K/BB: The 22 year-old righty slid into a starting role for Lexington on May 3, and there has been no looking back. Heasley made two starts for Lexington in the last week, and continued to show his worth in the rotation, posting 12 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 18 K. Heasley is carving out an impressive role among deep and talented pitching staff in Lexington.

Brady Singer’s 2.47 ERA: On April 28th Singer had a 3.32 ERA; since then he has held opponents to 2 runs or fewer over 4 starts. His 10 K’s on May 16 established a new career high and have the aggressive young righty trending in the right direction.

Royals Farm Report contributor and Blue Rocks authority, Nick Vitolano, provided us with a break down of Singer’s velocity and pitch variation from that start. 

Nick is a must-follow if you are trying to keep up with Wilmington.

Kris Bubic’s 15 BB. Often noted for his willingness to pound the strike zone, Bubic has surrendered 8 free passes over his last 2 starts (8.2 IP). While his ability to strike batters out has not slowed; his 66 strikeouts on the season lead the South Atlantic League by a comfortable margin. The walks are not overly concerning for now as he has continued to navigate through them and find success, but they are something to keep an eye on. With his tendency for strikeout, the walks will only ensure high pitch counts and shortened starts in the long run. 

See you next Monday for more updates!

Photo Credits: PLPhoto2015 (@PPhoto2015)