The minor league season is underway, finally!
What this means, of course, is that many former Valley Leaguers have been assigned to full-season clubs, and have played, in some cases, several games already.
Two pitchers from a couple years ago have had excellent starts already: Chris Pike (Harrisonburg 2012-13) and Max Povse (Staunton 2013).
First of all, Pike made his first start of the season for the Midwest League’s Bowling Green on Tuesday, and he did not disappoint. He threw 5 shutout innings, allowing only 1 hit, 0 walks, and struck out 4. Chris was the Rays’ 9th round draft pick in 2014, and has been close to unhittable in the pros so far, as he went 5-1, 2.48, with 57 baserunners and 48 strikeouts in 58 innings in 2014.
Secondly, the 6-foot-8 Povse has actually started twice already for Low-A Rome, and has dominated both times. In a total of 10 innings, Max is 1-1, 0.90, with 6 hits, 3 walks, and 9 strikeouts. Max was more heralded than Chris coming out of college: He was a 3rd round pick of the Braves in 2014. Max, like Chris, pitched quite well in his pro debut, going 4-2, 3.42, with 37 strikeouts in 47 1/3 innings.
Well done, guys, and keep it up!
All Things Valley League 