Dan Slania Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Daniel Alexander Slania
Born 05/24/1992 in Phoenix, AZ
Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 275 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Notre Dame
Debut 06/30/2017
Drafted in the 5th round (162nd overall) by the San Francisco Giants in 2013 (signed for $283,500).

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Slania hasn't started a game in three years at Notre Dame and has excelled in relief, setting school records for career ERA (1.71) and saves (29). After hitting 97 mph last summer while leading the Cape Cod League with 10 saves, he topped out in the low 90s early this spring, when the weather was terrible in the Midwest. As it warmed up, he started throwing 92-93 mph and touching 95 more regularly. He has made progress with his curveball and slider, with both breaking balls grading as close to average. At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, he doesn't have the prettiest body or delivery, but he does have some athleticism and has no difficulty throwing strikes. Slania may get an opportunity to work out of the rotation in pro ball. He has a strong frame, aptitude for throwing a changeup and showed what he can do in a longer outing on May 3. In a 19-inning loss to South Florida, Slania worked innings eight through 16, allowing two runs while striking out seven. Scouts weren't thrilled that he threw 140 pitches, but 93 of them went for strikes. The Red Sox drafted him in the 42nd round three years ago out of an Arizona high school.

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Slania did a little bit of everything in 2016. He pitched at three levels--including two appearances at Triple-A Sacramento--and became a starting pitcher for the first time since high school. As a reward for an impressive season, the Giants added Slania to the 40-man roster after the season. A massive 6-foot-5 righthander, he doesn't use all his height to generate extension because he has a short stride in his delivery and doesn't explode off the rubber. Instead, he finishes somewhat closed off, with a crossfire delivery. Slania sits 90-94 mph with his fastball. It plays as above-average because of its run and the way he hides it in his delivery. His splitter is potentially above-average. When he starts he also uses a fringy changeup, slider and a slow curve, but as a reliever he relies on his fastball and splitter. Slania could fill a middle relief role in the big leagues as soon as 2017.

Slania hasn't started a game in three years at Notre Dame and has excelled in relief, setting school records for career ERA (1.71) and saves (29). After hitting 97 mph last summer while leading the Cape Cod League with 10 saves, he topped out in the low 90s early this spring, when the weather was terrible in the Midwest. As it warmed up, he started throwing 92-93 mph and touching 95 more regularly. He has made progress with his curveball and slider, with both breaking balls grading as close to average. At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, he doesn't have the prettiest body or delivery, but he does have some athleticism and has no difficulty throwing strikes. Slania may get an opportunity to work out of the rotation in pro ball. He has a strong frame, aptitude for throwing a changeup and showed what he can do in a longer outing on May 3. In a 19-inning loss to South Florida, Slania worked innings eight through 16, allowing two runs while striking out seven. Scouts weren't thrilled that he threw 140 pitches, but 93 of them went for strikes. The Red Sox drafted him in the 42nd round three years ago out of an Arizona high school.