Ryan Dull

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #21 prospect in 2016
  Dull's connection to the Athletics goes back to his high school days in Kernersville, N.C., where his coach was former A's farmhand Allen Plaster. He had an unassuming 4.65 ERA in four years as a starter at UNC Asheville before the A's took him as a senior sign in the 32nd round in 2012, costing them a mere $1,000 signing bonus. They promptly converted him to relief, and he has forced his way up the ladder ever since, becoming just the third UNCA alum to reach the majors when he debuted in September. Dull's not physically imposing at 5-foot-10, but he's a fearless competitor with command of two big league pitches. His 90-94 mph fastball has natural sink, and he relentlessly pounds the bottom of the strike zone. If anything, he throws too many strikes, and the A's encouraged him to throw more chase pitches when ahead in the count, particularly with his sharp slider. The slider is a true putaway pitch, showing tilt and depth, and he can command it to either side of the plate. Dull also mixes in the occasional changeup, though it's no more than a show-me pitch. He has the upside to be seventh- or eighth-inning reliever, and he'll go to spring training looking to earn another trip to the majors.