Brady Aiken has had a weird and rough couple of years. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft but failed to sign with the Astros after they found something that bothered him in his elbow during a physical and subsequently reduced their offer to him. Aiken declined and went to IMG academy to bide his time until the 2015 draft. Unfortunately, while pitching for IMG Academy, he tore his elbow ligament and underwent Tommy John surgery.
He was nonetheless selected by the Indians as the 17th overall pick last year, obviously getting far less dough than he would’ve had he come to terms with Houston, even at the reduced offer. Tough break for the kid in multiple ways.
Last night, however, at long last, Aiken made his professional debut. And it was a good debut, even if it was short: two innings pitched, no runs, no hits three strikeouts and a walk in an Arizona League game.
The lefty is still only 19 years-old. Here’s hoping that the long rehab and deliberate pace with which the Indians brought him along will put him on track to fulfill the promise he has.