MLB Prospects: 5 Pitchers from Each Minor-League Level off to a Hot Start

Throughout the minor leagues, there have been pitchers, both starters and relievers, who have gotten off to a blistering start.  In fact, it’s astonishing how well some of the game’s top pitching prospects have thrown this season—most notably the impressive crop of 2011 draft picks: Trevor Bauer, Dylan Bundy, Archie Bradley, Jose Fernandez and Matt Barnes.

So, as I did yesterday with position prospects, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of the top pitchers from each active minor-league level:

Triple-A

J.J. Hoover, RHP, Reds: 6 IP, 3.00 ERA, 4 saves, 2 H, 12/1 K/BB

Could make an impact out the Reds’ bullpen in the near future.

Phillippe Aumount, RHP, Phillies: 6 IP, 1.50 ERA, 2 H, 9/2 K/BB

Has embraced and made a smooth transition to the bullpen.

Brad Peacock, RHP, Athletics: 2 GS, 12 IP, 1.50 ERA, 6 H, 14/4 K/BB

Showing excellent command without sacrificing his stuff; poised for a call-up later this season.

Garrett Richards, RHP, Angels: 3 GS, 21 IP, 2.14 ERA, 12 H, 21/4 K/BB

Firing on all cylinders to begin the season; showing excellent command of all his pitches and piling up the strikeouts.

Christian Friedrich, LHP, Rockies: 3 GS, CG, 19.1 IP, 3.22 ERA, 12 H, 18/3 K/BB

Flashing the potential that put him on the fast track in the big leagues in 2009.

Double-A

Drew Hutchison, RHP, Blue Jays: 3 GS, 16.2 IP, 2.16 ERA, 16 H, 12/4 K/BB

A bit too hittable at times, but has gotten strikeouts and ground balls when needed.

Trevor May, RHP, Phillies: 2 GS, 12 IP, 3.75 ERA, 7 H, 12/4 K/BB

Showing he was more than ready for the jump to Double-A.

Trevor Bauer, RHP, Diamondbacks: 3 GS, 15.2 IP, 0.57 ERA, 8 H, 20/12 K/BB

Command has been shaky at times, but overall success is undeniable; not far away from his big-league debut.

Tyler Thornburg, RHP, Brewers: 3 GS, 18.1 IP, 0.98 ERA, 8 H, 24/3 K/BB

Took a perfect game into the eighth inning on Monday; dominating to begin the season.

A.J. Griffin, RHP, Athletics: 3 GS, 16.2 IP, 1.08 ERA, 9 H, 25/3 K/BB

One of the top minor-league pitchers to begin the year; has shown impeccable command of all pitches.

High-A

Cody Buckel, RHP, Rangers: 2 GS, 10 IP, 0.00 ERA, 4 H, 16/3 K/BB

Offseason training with Trevor Bauer paying off; furthering status as genuine strikeout artist.

Tyler Matzek, LHP, Rockies: 3 GS, 15.2 IP, 1.72 ERA, 12 H, 19/8 K/BB

One of the best stories of the young season, Matzek has picked up where he left off at the end of 2011.

Andrew Chafin, LHP, Diamondbacks: 2 GS, 11 IP, 0.82 ERA, 5 H, 18/2 K/BB

Was the 43rd overall pick in 2011 draft and has been impressive in both starts.

Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pirates: 2 GS, 8.2 IP, 3.12 ERA, 5 H, 12/2 K/BB

Pirates finally allowing a longer leash this season and early results are positive.

T.J. House, LHP, Indians: 2 GS, 13 IP, 0.00 ERA, 6 H, 17/2 K/BB

Yet to allow an earned run and quickly moving up organizational depth chart.

Low-A

Matt Barnes, RHP, Red Sox: 2 GS, 10 IP, 0.00 ERA, 3 H, 16/2 K/BB

His breaking ball is excellent; might not be in Low-A for much longer.

Jose Campos, RHP, Yankees: 3 GS, 16 IP, 0.56 ERA, 5 H, 18/4 K/BB

Could pay the greatest dividends of everyone involved in the Pineda-Montero swap.

Jose Fernandez, RHP, Marlins: 2 GS, 11 IP, 1.64 ERA, 5 H, 18/4 K/BB

Nineteen-year-old dominating to begin first pro full season.

Dylan Bundy, RHP, Orioles: 2 GS, 6 IP, 0.00 ERA, 12/0 K/BB

Has been the big story of spring training; continues to be a man amongst boys.

Archie Bradley, RHP, Diamondbacks: 3 GS, 16 IP, 1.13 ERA, 6 H, 22/6 K/BB

Not be outdone be fellow Oklahoman Bundy, Bradley has been dominant in each of his three starts.