Baltimore Orioles top 10 prospects for 2019

5 of 12

FORT MYERS, FL – MARCH 11: Huntter Harvey #39 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the first inning of the Spring Training game against the Boston Red Sox at Jet Blue Park on March 11, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /

8. Hunter Harvey, RHP

Birthday: 12/9/1994 (23)
Acquired: Draft, 1st round, 2013
Level(s): AA Bowie
Statistics: 9 G, 32 1/3 IP, 5.57 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 6.5% BB, 21.7% K

Hunter Harvey is probably nearing curse word status for Baltimore Orioles fans at this point as the young arm has been part of the organization for six seasons now and still has less than 200 innings total pitched.

The issue of course, is the 176 2/3 innings he’s thrown have been very, very good as Harvey has tremendous raw stuff, and in 2018, that stuff was still there when he was on the mound. On his stuff, the biggest issue has always been his cross-body delivery, which could hinder his command, but he does control the ball well.

The 2018 injury for Harvey was the one that could be the big issue for Harvey – a shoulder issue. While elbow issues, broken bones, and groin surgery are all bad, they’re things a pitcher can return from. Harvey will be a guy to monitor closely in 2019 as his return from shoulder injury could be the first time he’s really returning from something that gives a major worry to hindering his raw stuff on the mound.

If he can return with his same stuff, it may be time to scrap the idea of Harvey starting and move him to the bullpen. His mid-90s fastball and big curve would be impressive weapons in the bullpen, but he needs to be on the mound, even in relief, to utilize them.

Home/Baltimore Orioles