Drafted in the 6th round (194th overall) by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011 (signed for $150,000).
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Scott Barlow is a rangy, long-limbed righthander with loads of projection once he fills out his 6-foot-3, 170-pound frame. The Fresno State signee is a good athlete with a loose high three-quarters arm action. His fastball velocity is no better than fringe-average currently, but he figures to throw harder in time. He also has good feel for a big-breaking curveball.
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Barlow has always had an enticing arsenal of pitches and solid pitcher's frame since being drafted by the Dodgers in the sixth round in 2011, but staying healthy has been his biggest challenge. Barlow pitched just 1.2 innings combined in his first two pro seasons, recovering slowly from Tommy John surgery. He enjoyed a few solid seasons as a Dodgers farmhand, but wasn't perceived as valuable enough to avoid becoming a minor league free agent after the 2017 season. The Royals subsequently signed Barlow to a one-year major league contract with the Royals worth $900,000. He's coming off an outstanding season at Double-A Tulsa in which he posted a 3.29 ERA and stuck out 160 batters in 139.2 innings before struggling in seven starts at Triple-A Oklahoma City. Barlow thrives by mixing his pitches and locating them. His fastball sits 91-93 mph, touches 96, and plays up because of the elite extension he gets. His best secondary pitch is an average slider at 78-82 mph with cutting action and armside run, and he complements it with a slow 76-80 mph curveball that has a hump on it. Barlow gets good movement on a power 84-86 mph changeup that plays well off his fastball in going down in the other direction. Barlow profiles as a back-end starter, but some observers believe his stuff could tick up in shorter stints in the bullpen.
Barlow was one of the stars of Los Angeles' instructional league contingent in 2011 but never got to build on that momentum in 2012, missing the entire season following Tommy John surgery. A gangly righthander who had a fringy fastball in high school, he added strength to his frame following his selection in the sixth round of the 2011 draft, and Los Angeles spent $150,000 that August to sign him away from a Fresno State commitment. The Dodgers saw a lot of projection in his frame, and his velocity picked up into the low 90s, peaking at 95 mph, by the end of 2011. His curveball got the highest marks of his secondary offerings, but he has a four-pitch mix that also includes a slider and changeup that have a chance to play as quality weapons. He drew rave reviews for how well he competed and for his feel for pitching. He has a good delivery and arm action that shouldn't cause any future problems, and Los Angeles wonders if he was overworked before he signed. Barlow had his operation early enough that he should be able to have a productive 2013 season, and his rehab was proceeding on track. Once he gets a clean bill of health, he could head to low Class A or stay back in extended spring training before going to Ogden.
The Dodgers believe Barlow could be one of the steals of the 2011 draft. He had a very projectable frame but pitched with a fringy fastball in high school, which is why he lasted until the 194th overall pick. Los Angeles signed him away from a Fresno State commitment for $150,000 in early August. Between the draft and instructional league, Barlow put on some quality weight and his fastball got stronger as well, rising to 90-93 mph and hitting 94. He spins a quality 1-to-7 curveball at 76-78 mph and also shows promise with his slider and changeup, though the changeup lags behind his other pitches. Barlow has a loose, easy arm and throws from a three-quarters angle. He has a clean delivery, with good balance and the ability to generate a nice downhill plane. He receives high marks for his competitiveness and advanced feel for pitching for his age. A potential midrotation starter, Barlow will get a chance to begin his first full pro season in low Class A. He only pitched two innings after signing, so he could open 2012 in extended spring training and head to Ogden in June.
Minor League Top Prospects
Barlow signed for $150,000 in 2011 as a sixth-rounder, but Tommy John surgery cost him the 2012 season. While his numbers over 15 starts weren?t impressive, he attracted attention with his strong arm in what was in essence his pro debut. Barlow has a solid frame that has added about 30 pounds since high school. He has all the makings of a starter with a solid, projectable frame and an arm that works. The fastball ranges 89-93 mph, and he throws both a curveball and slider that could eventually be average pitches. He?s also working on a changeup in the 83-85 mph range. Barlow struggled with command, not atypical for a pitcher during his first year back from TJ surgery, but that should improve with more mound time.
Career Transactions
Cleveland Guardians released RHP Scott Barlow.
Cleveland Guardians designated RHP Scott Barlow for assignment.
San Diego Padres activated RHP Scott Barlow.
Kansas City Royals traded RHP Scott Barlow to San Diego Padres for RHP Henry Williams and RHP Jesus Rios.
Kansas City Royals traded RHP Scott Barlow to San Diego Padres for RHP Henry Williams and RHP Jesus Rios.
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