Walter Borkovich, from Michigan State, plied his trade for the Staunton Braves in 2015. He went 4-3, 4.20 in the Valley, with a 1.186 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9, and 8.1 K/9 in 45 innings. Solid, but not overwhelming.
Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Braves after college in 2017, Walter pitched at three different levels that summer- Rookie levels Danville and in the Gulf Coast League, and then in full season low-A with Rome of the South Atlantic League. Pitching exclusively out of the bullpen, Walter went 3-2, 2.30, with a 1.17 WHIP in 27 1/3 innings.
Assigned to Rome’s bullpen in 2018, Walter pitched in 28 games, going 4-1, 2.08, with a 1.26 WHIP in 47 2/3 innings.
On August 1st of this year, though, everything seemed to change for the former Brave. Moved up a level to High-A Florida (the Fire Frogs!) in the Florida State League, Walter toed the rubber for his first ever pro start at Fort Myers. He threw very well, spinning 5 shutout innings while allowing 3 hits, 0 walks, and striking out 4.
He earned a 2nd start on August 11th, again against Fort Myers. This time he spun 6 shutout innings, allowing 4 hits, again 0 walks, and striking out 4.
And then on August 16th, he got start #3, at St. Lucie. He yet again threw 6 shutout innings, allowing 5 hits, 0 walks, and striking out 4.
Over his three professional starts, Walter is 1-0, 0.00, with 12 hits, 0 walks, and 12 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched. What an incredible start!
The minor league season ends rather soon, but Walter’s performance as a starter should have made some waves in Atlanta’s system. Perhaps he’ll earn a spot in a minor league rotation out of spring training next year?
All Things Valley League 