Brock Porter posted another quite impressive performance in this afternoon’s contest against Asheville. Porter went 4 innings in relief, allowing 4 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, and struck out 5 on 70 pitches. Porter, who just turned 23 one week ago, lowered his season ERA to 1.54 as he... continued his blistering start to the season this afternoon. The changeup leads the way for Porter and today was no different. He throws it 42% of the time and has a 45% whiff rate on the pitch this season. Porter’s changeup is interesting because he won’t only use it as a whiff pitch, he’s very comfortable throwing it in the zone as well. He does throw it 58% of the time when he’s ahead, but he also throws it 31% of the time when he’s behind in the count. That willingness to go to it at any time to any handedness of hitter is a big reason why he’s seen so much success this year. Walk rate is a bit up for Porter compared to years prior, but he’s done a phenomenal job limiting slug this season while also maintaining a strong strikeout rate. I can’t speak to when it might happen, but it certainly seems at this rate we’ll be seeing Brock Porter in Frisco relatively soon.show more

@ProspectTimes Jacob Johnson pitch data 😃. Apparently he also hit 100.4 this outing too

Some inaccurate statcast labels on that graphic that I went ahead and fixed. Also he didn’t actually hit 100, I think there was a bug on statcast that attributed one of Valverde’s pitches to Johnson. Top velo on the day for Johnson was 96.9 mph. One of my favorite arms on the farm, and I hope to see him in affiliate ball soon!

@ProspectTimes Any idea as to his FB velo? Think when he was drafted, he was 93-97 ish, touching 100.

Velocity definitely lowered after being drafted because he went through an overhaul on his mechanics. I was concerned when it got to a point that he was sitting 89, but so far this year he sits about 94 and touches 97 which I think is more than good enough, especially if he sticks with this primarily changeup approach.

@ProspectTimes More than sufficient if he controls everything!

@ProspectTimes Count me with the folks who wonder what role he’s going to be used in at a higher level. Consistently pitching three and four innings. That’s an odd slot for development.

@ProspectTimes 26 BB in 35 IP is rough, he’s got a ways to go before a AA promotion.

@ProspectTimes He needs to cut the walk rate in half or he will be chewed up and spit out as he moves up the ladder in the minors.

@ProspectTimes Is he being lengthened to move into start role? I have noticed the increase in innings per appearance.

He’s kind of been in the 60-75 pitch count range all season. Don’t get too hung up on whether he’s starting or coming out of the bullpen at this stage. Still super young, and I think it’s more about putting him where he feels most comfortable while also getting the innings he needs for his development.