Arizona Diamondbacks recall another top prospect in Drey Jameson
By Jake Oliver
The Arizona Diamondbacks are calling up another vaunted member of their pitching prospect pool in Drey Jameson to make his MLB debut Thursday evening against the San Diego Padres. Fun fact, the Diamondbacks' last pitching prospect to make his MLB debut, Ryne Nelson, made his debut against the Padres too. Although Drey's start will be at Chase Field instead of Petco Park.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are calling up another prized prospect in Drey Jameson who will seek to be the next Diamondbacks rookie pitcher to make an impact in 2022
Drey Jameson climbed two levels this season en route to making his MLB debut Thursday night. He started the 2022 season with the Amarillo Sod Poodles where he made four starts and had a 2-1 record. Over his 18.2 innings there, he struck out 23, had four walks and allowed five runs on 13 hits. It was a strong showing by the 24-year-old who was a first-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft out of Ball State University.
His numbers with Triple-A Reno are much uglier but also a bit untruthful. Reno is very much like Colorado in that it's extremely hard to have an ERA that's below four. The same is true across the entire Pacific Coast League in that's it's an extremely hitter's friendly league.
Over 22 games and 114 innings, Drey had a rough 6.95 ERA with 139 hits, 88 earned runs, and 42 walks allowed. However, he struck out 109 batters and demonstrated an advanced pitching approach. Of course, it helps that he can hit 100 mph with his fastball. Something that is extremely rare among Diamondbacks' pitchers. Drey's xFIP which demonstrates a pitcher's true pitching that season is a 4.96 in Reno. That's extremely lower than his current 6.95 indicating plenty of bad luck.
Drey's getting a shot at being a starting pitcher but may ultimately become an elite closer utilizing his impressive fastball/slider. On a 30-80 scale with 80 being elite, Drey's fastball scores a 70, and his slider is currently a 60 with the potential to be a 70. HIs changeup has the ability to be above-average as well with a 55 potential. His curveball needs work as it's only at a 50. Yet, he still has three above-average pitches which means that he has the necessary pitch mix to be an effective MLB starter.
Drey Jameson is the Arizona Diamondbacks No. 8 prospect in my rankings. He certainly has an MLB future, and I can't wait to see it begin Thursday night. I would expect Drey to remain with the team through the end of the season. Drey was called up to take the spot of Kyle Nelson per the Arizona Diamondbacks' twitter account due to Nelson going on the injured list with elbow inflammation. Get well Kyle, we'll need you next year in the bullpen!
After all, the Diamondbacks did clear a roster spot for him with Wilmer Difo's DFA earlier this week. Hopefully, he can start strong to secure a spot in the 2023 starting rotation. Drey Jameson is armed with a 100+ mph fastball, and plenty of other quality pitches that excite the Dbacks.