Drew Rucinski

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #18 prospect in 2015
  Rucinski's pro career sounds like the storyline for a future Disney Studio sports movie, with a path that took the Ohio State alum from the independent Frontier League to the big leagues in less than a year. Undrafted in 2011, the righthander signed with Rockford, where he made one appearance before the Indians signed him. Rucinski advanced to low Class A Lake County in 2011, but Cleveland released him following spring training in 2012, so he headed back to the Frontier League. The Angels signed him in August 2013 to plug a hole at high Class A Inland Empire. Rucinski made the Double-A Arkansas team out of spring training in 2014 and quickly became the Travelers' top starter. Los Angeles summoned him to the majors on two occasions, once in July and then again as a September callup. Rucinski pitches with a herky-jerky delivery that adds deception and allows him to pitch up in the zone. His 91-94 mph fastball has riding life, and he throws an 84 mph splitter as his out pitch. He rounds out his arsenal with a fringy slider and changeup, both which are delivered around 80 mph. He's got strong work habits and shows maturity on the mound. Rucinski will report to spring training hoping to continue his unlikely adventure.