The latest of the minor league arms to make their MLB debut was Braves' prospect Sean Newcomb who went 6.1 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks in the first double-header game against the Mets. Before we get into the start itself, here's the low-down: BB/9 rates of 4.50+ every step of the way outside of four games in Single-A from 2014 (including 5.15 BB/9 this year in Triple-A!), and Fastball that ranges from 91 up to 95 or so with a sweeping Zito-esque Curveball that opens the door to plenty of strikeouts. You may have noticed that I didn't mention a third p itch and that's because he doesn't really have one. Yeah, he threw two Sliders and a Changeup, but that's not what I want to see in over six innings of work. I can understand the high walk rates after watching this outing as he really needs a third pitch to throw for strikes instead of just going Fastball/Curveball all day - This isn't Rich Hill (and even he is walking guys now!). I should note one of those walks was an IBB and Newcomb did a great job of command his heater in this outing. I just don't have faith that he can do this every day against a better lineup and one that knows he's going just FB/CB. Pair that with the uncertainty of his spot in the rotation and Newcomb just isn't my favorite of the "intriguing upside arms" that are filling up the waiver wire. No harm in taking a flier, just not my favorite.
Let’s see how every other SP did yesterday:
