Prospect Watch: Evan Marshall

Evan Marshall could be in Arizona sometime during 2014. Credit: 1350kman.com

When thinking about the reliever prospects for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the two big names that jump to mind are Jake Barrett and Matt Stites. However, Evan Marshall is a name to keep an eye on if the D’back bullpen suffers from injury or ineffectiveness during the 2014 season. The 24-year old right-hander could be among the first to be called up to the Majors should the need arise.

Marshall was taken in the fourth round of the 2011 draft out of Kansas St.  While with the Wildcats, Marshall made the All Big 12’s Second Team in both his Sophomore and Junior seasons. He was brilliant in his final season at K-State going 5-5 with a 1.62 ERA in 30 appearances. The D’backs liked what they saw and took him after his Junior year. He managed to pitch at three different Minor League levels in 2011, ending up getting into a game at Double A Mobile after dominating at Single A stops in Norwich and Visalia. In 26 Single A games, he went 0-1 with a 1.12 ERA in 29 innings, striking out 31. In 2012, he helped Mobile capture the Southern League Championship by recording 16 saves and a 3.51 ERA in 42 games. Marshall spent 2013 at Triple A Reno going 3-6 with a 4.34 ERA over 54 games in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

The scouting report at mlb.com states that Marshall has three pitches: a 94 MPH fastball, with a plus changeup and an average breaking ball. He has a deceptive delivery and possesses solid control. The former Wildcat standout is graded out to be a solid setup man in the Major Leagues. There is an excellent chance we could see Marshall in Arizona by the All Star break.

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