Born08/10/1996 in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic
ProfileHt.: 6'0" / Wt.: 170 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Minor League Top Prospects
lara, who signed for $200,000 in 2015, stood out for premium velocity from a slender frame. He attacks hitters with a fastball sitting 93-96 mph and touching as high as 100 this year, with the velo coming from his quick arm and a clean, effortless delivery that he repeats well. Lara's secondary pitches include a 76-83 mph curveball that is more like a hard slider but with good curveball break. He's actually got two changeups--one that he throws like a circle-change as well as a split-finger changeup that had some late cutting action at times. Better command and improved secondary pitches will be the keys to whether Lara can start, but he may thrive in a relief role where he can just max out his velocity. Idaho Falls pitching coach Jeff Suppan believes Lara will have enough diversity in his repertoire to remain in a starting role. "He's got three pitches with just one fastball," Suppan said. "He pitches in, (he) elevates, and (he) locates down. With the developing changeup I can see him in the rotation."
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