Alberto

Tirado

Tirado, who turns 22 next month, held a 3.90 ERA but struck out a whopping 102 batters over 64 2/3 frames while splitting his time between the rotation and the bullpen at Low- and High-A. He needs to throw more strikes before he’ll get a sniff of the majors.

The Lugnuts kick off their season on April 3 playing an exhibition against Michigan State, then face professional competition for the first time on Friday, April 4. Tirado is at least two full seasons away from the major leagues, but he has the potential to become a top of the rotation stalwart for the Blue Jays. Armed with a fastball that can sit in the 92-94 mph range, and an advanced changeup, and a projectable slider, Tirado is a pitcher to watch in deep formats.

The 19-year old Tirado only struck out one batter while allowing two runs in his fifth appearance of the season. Tirado is alternating between starts and relief appearances, but is on a pitch count that limits how many innings he can pitch in a single game. He has the potential to become a #2 pitcher in a rotation, but is unlikely to reach the majors until the end of 2016.

The 19-year old Dominican has a solid 2.70 ERA, but his 8.8 BB/9 fuels his 1.762 WHIP. He has the potential to become a front line starter, but he needs to improve his command before he has a chance against more advanced hitters.

The Phillies are getting a couple of really hard throwers here, but both are strictly bullpen guys. Tirado has a 3.23 ERA and a 61/35 K/BB ratio in 61 1/3 innings as an A-ball reliever. Cordero has a 2.70 ERA in 50 innings of relief between high-A and Double-A. Tirado has the better chance of developing into a late-game guy in time.

The 19-year old Tirado struggled mightily during his time in the Low-A Midwest League, putting up a 6.30 ERA and a 2.100 WHIP before being sent down to the short season-A Northwest League, where he has done well, putting up a 4.18 ERA with a 1.607 WHIP. His WHIP has been inflated by poor control, which has led to a combined 8.3 BB/9. He has the potential to be a frontline starter, but clearly he will need substantial work on his control before he has a chance to reach the high minors. Tirado should finish the season in Vancouver before returning to Low-A Lansing to start 2015.

Tirado has a big arm but has never been able to throw strikes with any consistency in pro ball. He’s now off the 40-man roster.

Tirado passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment by Philadelphia last week. The 22-year-old has strikeout stuff, but control continues to be an issue for him. He has averaged 6.0 BB/9 in the minors.