Congrats Astros fans! I’ve never been happier to pass someone along to another team. Okay, maybe I’m being a little tough. Regardless, here is everything you need to know about your new pitcher and his potential.
Basic Facts:
- Drafted: 2013, Tampa Bay Rays
- MLB Debut: April 2, 2017
- Born: August 31, 1989
- Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas
- College: Houston
2019 Basic Stats:
- Innings Pitched: 47
- ERA: 4.40 (his best year, but also fewest games – career ERA is 4.87)
- WHIP: 1.26
- K%: 20.2%
- BB%: 6.2%
- Hard Hit%: 33.8%
Pitch Breakdown
Four seam
This is Pruitt’s go to pitch. He throws it 40% of the time, and for good reason. The spin rate on his four seam is in the 82nd percentile in the league.
However, the whiff percentage off his fastball is only 6%, and the slugging percentage of opposing hitters is the highest out of all four of Pruitt’s pitches.
Curveball
Austin Pruitt’s curveball is his best pitch, or at least it should be. His spin rate is elite, putting him in the 98th percentile for major league pitchers, and placing his spin rate above all star players like Clayton Kershaw and Blake Snell.
When he uses his curveball, the whiff percentage of opposing batters increases to 15.6%, greater than double that of his fastball.
Slider
Austin Pruitt uses his slider primarily against right handed hitters (42% of the time, up from 5% against left handed hitters). Opposing average against his slider is the second lowest of all his pitches (second to his changeup).
When Pruitt uses his slider, the whiff percentage is 12.3%, again close to double that of his fastball.
Changeup
The changeup is Pruitt’s second favorite pitch, which he uses 27% of the time. It seems like he is using this pitch appropriately, as the whiff percentage on his changeup is 14.3%, similar to that of his slider. His changeup also yields his highest swing percentage (53%, nearly tying that of his slider).
My Thoughts
The major obstacle I see him is that he continues to miss his spots. Contact rates on his pitches in the zone are greater than 50%. While he does not give up a ton of long fly balls and home runs, all the singles and the walks can end up being disastrous, especially in tight games. His BABIP being league average also suggests that his defense is not to blame for what might at first appear to be bad luck after giving up yet another ground ball base hit.
Switching Up the Pitch Mix
I don’t think Pruitt relying on his fastball for big outs is a trend that should continue, especially given batter success rates against it. I think it is possible for Pruitt to be more effective, should he use his stuff more cleverly. If he reduces his fastball usage, and starts relying more on his offspeed pitches to get outs, he has the potential to be a much more efficient pitcher.
Potential on the Astros
The Astros have a way of turning good pitchers into great, unhittable pitchers. The spin rate and pitch selection is there, so maybe a few minor adjustments is all it will take to turn Pruitt into a fantastic go-to reliever (and maybe even a fifth starter?).