SF Giants pitching prospects week in review (7/4-7/10)

SF Giants Prospects Weekly Rundown: ACL

Notable Performers

Esmerlin Vinicio: 2 G, 2 GS, 1 W, 9.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R (1 ER), 8 BB, 8 K, 0.96 ERA
Manuel Mercedes: 2 G, 2 GS, 8 IP, 10 H, 5 R (4 ER), 1 HBP, 5 BB, 10 K, 4.50 ERA
Trevor McDonald: 1 G, 1 GS, 4 IP, 6 H, 5 R (5 ER), 2 HBP, 2 BB, 1 K, 11.25 ERA

With more than a week of action in the books, it is now time to look at the top pitching prospects in the Arizona backfields. The first one is left-hander Esmerlin Vinicio, the top pitcher in the 2019 IFA class based on a signing bonus. The southpaw was effectively wild in his two starts for the Giants Black squad, as his eight walks in just over nine innings stand out the most because he is more known as a pitchability lefty when he was still an amateur. It will be interesting to see his progress throughout the season.

The other two of the best pitching prospects are in the Giants Orange squad, and it is being led by Manuel Mercedes. The Dominican right-hander has the tools to dream on: prototypical frame, plus athleticism, present mid-90s velocity, and loose arm action. The teenager has been a bit wild early on but has the present stuff to overpower Rookie ball hitting. Mercedes has overtaken Vinicio in terms of potential in my opinion, and I’m excited for what the future brings for him.

The third and final top pitching prospect is the 2019 11th round selection Trevor McDonald. McDonald was a bit wilder than others in his professional pitching debut, but he’s flashed good control as an amateur and has the stuff (low-90s fastball with hard sink and a sweeping slider) from the unique arm slot (low 3/4 arm slot with a flat approach angle) to succeed. He should be fine.

Stay tuned every weekend for a full rundown of the SF Giants hitting prospects on Saturday and pitching prospects on Sunday.