Braden Shipley’s Solid Outing

The Arizona Fall League dominates the headlines when it comes to Fall Minor League Baseball.  However, teams also send young players to Instructional League ball where teams send some of their other prospects for further evaluation.  One of those playing in this league is Braden Shipley, the 2013 first round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks.    After a tough introduction to professional ball, Shipley found himself at Chase Field on Friday pitching to members of the Oakland A’s organization.

Braden Shipley pitched three solid innings during an Instructional League game. Credit: Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

In three innings, Shipley gave up one run on three hits walked no one and struck out three according to a report by azcentral’s Nick Piecoro.  His fastball hit 96 once with the majority of them between 90-94.  He also displayed a good change-up but his goal was to work on his curve.   After the outing, Shipley stated he needed to get a better feel for it coming into the Fall and he accomplished that during the game.  That’s good news for a guy who was 0-3 with a 4.99 ERA in two levels of A ball.  His numbers at High A South Bend were much better as he sported a 2.61 ERA in four starts allowing 14 hits in 20 2/3 innings.

Shipley did not become a full-time pitcher in college until his sophomore year at the University of Nevada.  All he did was go 9-4 with a 2.20 ERA, winning the WAC Pitcher of the Year Award and was drafted by the D’backs after his junior year.  According to mlb.com, Shipley is considered the organization’s fourth-best prospect and is scheduled to be in Arizona by 2016

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