The Arizona Diamondbacks have one of the best MiLB systems in the MLB. Their
prospects are ranked among the top 3 in the MLB. That's a huge credit
to the work of GM Mike Hazen and his team It speaks to the hard work of
the coaches too. On an off day for the minor leagues, I figured we would
take a look at the hot/cold pitchers for the Arizona
Diamondbacks minor league teams like the Amarillo Sod Poodles. This is a good
reminder of the players that will soon play for the Diamondbacks. It
also serves as a potential time journey into the future of who might
reach the MLB. These names will be limited to only those that classify
as prospects and that aren't in the MLB. Check out the Reno Aces' hot pitchers here.
The Arizona Diamondbacks Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles Hot/Cold Pitchers
Hot: Blake Walston
Blake Walston is an elite pitching prospect for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He comfortably ranks inside my top-10 prospects. Walston has been excellent in the minors this year. That includes his last 2 starts over the last 2 weeks. He threw 11.2 innings, went 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA, gave up 10 hits, 4 runs, 4 walks, and struck out 13. He's young and still figuring out his command. Have to love the strikeouts though. I'd expect him to push to be called up in late-2023.
Cold: Bryce Jarvis
The former first-round pick, Bryce Jarvis has endured a hot/cold year in Double-A. With the Sod Poodles the last two weeks, Jarvis went 0-1 over 3 starts with a troubling 12.21 ERA. He threw 14 innings and gave up 26 hits, 20 runs, 7 home runs, 6 walks, and only struck out 13. His stuff is there, but the command is lost right now. Amarillo is a hitter's paradise, but it's not that extreme a one. Jarvis needs to reset himself and get back on track to finish the season strong.
Hot: Brent Teller
Teller is a prospect rising on my radar as a long reliever. He has been doing great work out of the pen for the Sod Poodles. While he isn't on the Arizona Diamondbacks' top-40 prospects list, he could sneak into the MLB at some point. He has thrown 9.1 innings the last two weeks over 4 games. He went 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA and gave up 9 hits, 3 runs, 6 walks, and 10 strikeouts. The only worrying part are those walks. Keep it up Teller!
Cold: Slade Cecconi
Slade has hit a rough patch in the last two weeks. The live-armed starter with excellent potential has gone 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in his two starts. In those 8 innings, he gave up 12 hits, 8 runs, 2 walks, and struck out 10. The walk-to-strike-out ratio is great. Yet, the hits/runs are worrisome. Hopefully, it's just a blip as he pushes to finish the season strong. Finish strong and set yourself up for a terrific 2023 Slade.
Hot Honorable Mention Sod Poodles Pitchers: Kenny Hernandez
Cold Honorable Mention Sod Poodles Pitchers: Deyni Olivero, Ross Carver, Justin Lewis, Austin Pope