Update on Atlanta Braves’ Prospect Alex Wood


Alex Wood Atlanta Braves

Scott Rovak-USA Today Sports

Alex Wood turned some heads this spring training for the Atlanta Braves. In limited action, he posted a 1.29 ERA in seven innings, but it was his stuff that impressed manager Fredi Gonzalez and others. Pitchers Tim Hudson and Kris Medlen described his stuff as “nasty” and “insane.”

Wood is showcasing his “nasty” and “insane” arsenal of pitches to use for Double-A Mississippi.

The No. 5 prospect in the organization, according to MLB.com, has a 1-1 record and 0.67 ERA through 27 innings in April. He has allowed an earned run in just one of his five starts, an April 12 game against Birmingham in which he allowed two earned runs. He’s struck out an impressive 31 hitters to just five walks and is holding opponents to a .192 average.

The big left-hander out of the University of Georgia uses a lively fastball in the mid-90s with good movement. He mixes in a curveball and changeup to give him three quality pitches. His quirky delivery caused concerns for teams during the draft process, but he undoubtedly uses that to his advantage on the mound.

Wood, along with teammate J.R. Graham, provides Mississippi with a strong rotation at the Double-A level. Graham is considered the better prospect by most scouts, but Wood’s future is looking just as bright. Both Hudson and starter Paul Maholm‘s contracts are up at the end of 2013, and it’s possible this could be the last season for both, leaving the door open for a young pitcher.

Graham and Sean Gilmartin have been thought to be the two next in line for a promotion to Atlanta. However, the way Wood is pitching, the Braves could be looking to find a spot for him in the near future.

 

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