Sunday's Top MLB Prospect Performances: Pitchers

Every morning, Prospect Pipeline will recap the previous day’s notable prospect performances, both at the plate and on the mound. In coordination with the unveiling of my prospect lists over the upcoming weeks, these daily recaps will offer advanced insight into both my organizational and overall rankings.

Although there has already been a slew of roster cuts league-wide, there are still plenty of prospects battling for spots at the back-end of their team’s rotation or in the bullpen. Here is a look at Sunday’s top pitching performances by a prospect:

Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays

After needing just 15 pitches to retire five batters in his first start of the spring – including three strikeouts – Matt Moore struggled with his command on Sunday against Boston. Aside from the solo-shots he surrendered to Cody Ross and Josh Kroeger in obvious fastball counts, the left-hander looked like his normal self. In the third inning, however, Moore lost his command as he walked the bases loaded before giving way to Romulo Sanchez with only one out. Obviously this is nothing to worry about; remember, we’re talking about Matt Moore. Without completely spoiling my Top 50 MLB Prospects rankings, I can only divulge that the future ace ranks in my top three. And despite what you might have heard, my man crush on Moore did not influence his ranking.

Dylan Axelrod and Simon Castro, Chicago White Sox

A pair of White Sox pitching prospects turned in strong relief efforts on Sunday, as the South Siders defeated the Cubs, 7-5, in 10-innings. Right-hander Dylan Axelrod, the No. 7 prospect in the White Sox system, had his first solid outing of the spring, as he tossed three perfect innings while fanning three. Fellow right-hander Simon Castro, who ranks just ahead of Axelrod at No. 6 on my list, also tallied three strikeouts over two scoreless innings. In any other system, neither of these guys would be top-10 prospects; basically, they’re ranked by default due to the White Sox dismal farm system. 

Casey Kelly, San Diego Padres

After hurling another scoreless frame on Sunday, Padres’ right-hander Casey Keller has now thrown six scoreless innings to start the spring. The No. 6 prospect in an insanely deep system, Kelly has the potential to be a No. 2 or No. 3 starter for the Padres as early as 2013.

Tyler Skaggs, Arizona Diamondbacks

Sunday’s best pitching performance definitely belongs to the Diamondbacks’ stud left-hander, Tyler Skaggs. After issuing four walks and serving up a grand slam in a spring debut to forget on March 7, Skaggs, the organization’s No. 2 prospect, has been sharp over his last two outings. Against the Reds on Sunday, the 6-foot-4, 195-pounder had his curveball – which is one of the best in all the Minor Leagues – and changeup working, as he struck out five batters without issuing a walk in three innings.  With 10 Double-A starts under his belt, there’s a chance that Skaggs makes his Major League debut before his 21^st birthday.