Drafted in the C round (34th overall) by the Boston Red Sox in 1996.
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Acquired from the Red Sox, Reitsma has overcome a broken elbow he suffered while pitching in 1997 and a stress fracture in his elbow the following year that set him back. Finally healthy in 2000, he pitched nearly as many innings as he had in his first four years as a pro combined. Able to touch 95-97 mph before his injuries, Reitsma has pushed his fastball back into the low 90s, hard enough to be assertive. Like some hard throwers who lose their blazing stuff, Reitsma has survived by improving his offspeed deliveries, including a pitch described as a power changeup. The Reds like his ability to set up batters and work both sides of the plate. Having been robbed of close to two seasons of development, Reitsma needs innings to complete his big league entrance exam. The Reds wouldn't mind if a little more of his velocity would return, too. Some optimists think Reitsma can pitch in the majors this year. Since he hasn't pitched above Double-A, that might be a little unrealistic. Nevertheless, he's clearly the organization's top pitching prospect in the upper levels of the minors.
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