Meanwhile down on the farm-Devin Smeltzer

[goulik]

Last Friday I began this series by looking at our AAA club while wondering "who has started off well this year in Rochester that is not a top prospect and someone we have not talked much about". Today I looked at Pensacola's stats and asked myself, "who is starting the season the best that is not a top prospect?". I quickly noticed Tanner English and Jaylin Davis have pretty decent batting averages to start the year but then I glanced at the pitchers and knew we all needed to know more about Devin Smeltzer.

 

If you have been paying attention to the Minor League Reports, you've seen his name pop up. Devin Smeltzer has allowed 2 runs, 1 earned in 3 starts this season averaging 6 innings per start for a 2-0 record and a 0.50 ERA. He has scattered 9 hits (no homers), 3 walks and a hit batsman while striking out 21. His WHIP is .67 and his Opp BA is .145. These are great numbers but are they sustainable?

 

I am not a sabermetrics guy to answer that question so let's look at his history.

 

Devin is a cancer survivor. At the age of 9, Devin was diagnosed with pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma. A tumor had grown against his bladder that was connected to his prostate. He was treated with surgery and chemotherapy at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. As of 2012, he has been in remission. One would have to think, this has had a huge impact on him as a person and as a ball player.

 

Smeltzer was drafted in the 33rd round out of High School by the Padres, but didn't sign and went to play for Florida Gulf Coast University where he posted a 6.19 ERA. He transferred to San Jacinto and posted a much improved 1.18 ERA during the 2016 season. He was again set to transfer to Texas Tech but the Dodgers drafted him in the 5th round and he signed. 

 

Pitching in the rookie league that summer, he made 11 appearances as a reliever but lasted only 10.2 innings while giving up 10 runs (9 earned) for a 7.59 ERA, .390 BA against and 2.06 WHIP. He did strike out 12. In 2017 in the Midwest League and in High A, he started 25 of the 26 games he appeared in and he maintained the K Rate with a 4.17 ERA combined. His WHIP was .99 at low A but 1.39 after the promotion.

 

The Twins acquired Smeltzer as part of the Dozier trade mid year 2018.Before the trade, he was  striking out 8 per 9 innings. In 23 appearances in the Dodgers organization he made 14 starts and 9 relief appearances with a 4.73 ERA, .281 BA against and a 1.35 WHIP. For the Lookouts, he made 10 appearances all in relief with a .280 BA against, 1.33 WHIP, but a 3.00 ERA. He struck out 16 in 12 innings of relief.

 

Last fall, the Twins sent him to the Arizona Fall League. In five appearances and 6.0 innings of work, Smeltzer posted a 1.50 ERA, with six K's, one walk, and a 1.33 WHIP which earned him a spot on the AFL all star team as a reliever.

 

To be honest, I love what this scouting report says and it gives me some hope that what we have seen may be an emerging Starter. Time will tell. Here is the scouting report:

https://baseballcensus.com/2017/10/04/los-angeles-dodgers-devin-smeltzer-scouting-report-baseball-player-evaluation-video-2017/

 

Having explored this history, if I had to guess, I would guess that we have a mirage and he will come back to earth or become a bullpen guy as he has been for a good portion of his minor league career.

 

On the other hand, lets hope that we have caught lightening in a bottle, he has emerged as a real starting prospect and will turn into a future ace. We can dream can't we? 

[Seth Stohs]

The first I'd ever heard about him was when he got to meet Chase Utley... this story is from about this time last year. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJU8KVKlLfs

[Otto von Ballpark]

Thanks for these posts.

 

Regardless of how they turn out, every player has a story.

[goulik]

The first I'd ever heard about him was when he got to meet Chase Utley... this story is from about this time last year. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJU8KVKlLfs

Holy crap Seth, you’re getting me all emotional...now I like the kid AND Chase Utley more!!

[Seth Stohs]

 

Holy crap Seth, you’re getting me all emotional...now I like the kid AND Chase Utley more!!

 

It hasn't been publicized but one of the Pensacola coaches has a son who is maybe 5 and has overcome cancer already after a 3ish year battle. Smeltzer met the kid last week and immediately made a bond with him. So Smeltzer is not only a survivor, but he is actively helpful for those who are going through childhood cancer as well.