Tonight, 2007 1st round draft pick Ross Detwiler (#6 overall) makes his first major league start for the Nationals. It’s not his first major league appearance as the lefty made a one-inning appearance on September 7th, striking out one batter.
In preparation for that start, here is the quick scouting report on Detwiler. His pitching arsenal consists of: a four-seam fastball (90-94mph); a two-seam fastball (sinker); a 12-to-6 (some scouts have 1-to-7) curveball; and a developing a changeup.
The 2008 season was definitely a setback for him as he struggled in Potomac. He was 8-8 with a 4.86 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 26 appearances for the P-Nats, striking out 114 but walking 57 over 124IP. His mechanics were inconsistent, taking about 6 to 8 mph off of his fastball and impacting his control and command.
From the times I saw him pitch in Woodbridge last year, it appeared he struggled when ahead in the count. He would get to 0-2 or 1-2 on a hitter and then battle to find the zone piling up a high pitch count, preventing him from going deep into games.
His promotion to Harrisburg in 2009 was a bit of a surprise to me as it seemed he still had something to prove at the High A level. However, his performance so far for the Senators has been one of the few positives in a dreadful start to the Harrisburg season.
Over his first six starts, the 23-year old Detwiler is 0-3 with a 2.96 ERA (Baseball Reference had it listed as 3.00) and 1.41 WHIP. Over 27 1/3 innings of work, he has struck out 28 and walked ten. The numbers should be better as the Harrisburg defense has let him down several times so far.
Detwiler probably has the most upside of any arm in the Nationals farm system. He has the potential stuff to be a front of the rotation starter, but that is all predicated on consistent mechanics. If he can learn to effectively repeat his delivery and then build the stamina to work deeper into games, he has an opportunity to reclaim his place as a future option for the Nats.
I am not an advocate of rushing him to the majors as I believe he still has things to learn. If this is just a spot start, then it’s understandable as long as he returns to Harrisburg to continue to refine his game.
I’d expect the Nationals to give Detwiler five to six innings or 100 pitches tonight, whichever comes first.
#1 by AlexVA - May 18th, 2009 at 14:19
I’m anxious to watch him and hope he can hold his own. A good showing would do him well in the confidence department. I would expect him to be sent back unless the FO is acting in their best interest instead of his. In spite of all their mistakes, I’d be shocked if they risk it on him.
#2 by Brian Oliver - May 18th, 2009 at 14:22
Alex - From your lips …
I am also anxious to watch his debut to see how he handles himself
#3 by pm - May 18th, 2009 at 14:37
I thought his ERA was 2.96. Did he get charged with another earned run after the fact.
#4 by R-Zim#11 (Angry Dan) - May 18th, 2009 at 15:36
I have a bad feeling he is going to get shelled…
#5 by dd - May 18th, 2009 at 15:56
He gave up an average of one hit per inning in Harrisburg, AA baseball. Would not say he dominated the opposition.
#6 by Steven Biel - May 18th, 2009 at 23:55
not bad, I’d say. He threw an awful lot of strikes.