Drafted in the 2nd round (50th overall) by the Miami Marlins in 2015 (signed for $1,000,000).
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Lilek came into the 2015 season as Arizona State's Friday night starter with the chance to be picked on the first day of the draft, but inconsistent outings early in the season knocked him back in the rotation and down draft boards. The junior southpaw is at his best when he's able to command his curveball, his best secondary pitch, and keep hitters from cheating on the fastball. His slider isn't far behind and is also sharp when he commands it. His fastball sits 88-92 mph, touching as high as 95. Lilek has a good pitcher's body at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds. Scouts note that Lilek doesn't always take a competitive spirit to the mound, but when he's on, like in late season games against UCLA and Washington State, he resembles a first round talent. A strong finish could push the lefthander back up draft boards.
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Lilek was originally drafted in the 37th round in 2012 by Seattle but had his heart set on Arizona State. After an excellent sophomore season, inconsistency as a junior cost Lilek his Friday starting slot in 2015, and cost him in the draft. He didn't fall far, though, and the Marlins made him a second-round pick, signing him for $1 million. Lilek battled left biceps tendinitis and arm fatigue and made just seven appearances in 2016, and he's thrown just 51 pro innings thus far. He rehabbed in instructional league and was expected to be ready for 2017. While Lilek lacks a true plus pitch, he pitches to his strengths and his arm slot gives him deception that helps his offerings play up. His fastball sits 90-94 mph at his best, and his curveball shows above average with tilt, but is not consistent. His changeup flashes average potential. He has the size, polish and stuff to project as a back-end starter, though health now is a factor as Lilek also battled shoulder tenderness in 2015.
Lilek lost his Friday starting slot at Arizona State in 2015 due to some inconsistency, an outcome that pushed him down draft boards. He didn't fall far, though, and the Marlins made him a second-round pick. While Lilek lacks a true plus pitch, he pitched to his strengths after turning pro and recorded a 43-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio at short-season Batavia. His fastball sits 90-94 mph and brushes 95. He mixes in a curveball that flashes plus but is inconsistent, showing depth and sharp tilt at times. His changeup lags behind those pitches but shows average potential at times. Lilek's delivery is repeatable but not without effort. He has the size, polish and stuff to project as a back-end starter, though health now is a factor. Lilek dealt with shoulder tenderness in 2015 and finished the season on the shelf. He made an appearance in instructional league, where he long-tossed and threw bullpens, and the Marlins say he suffered no structural damage. Lilek will see full-season ball in 2016, perhaps jumping to high Class A Jupiter.
Draft Prospects
Lilek came into the 2015 season as Arizona State's Friday night starter with the chance to be picked on the first day of the draft, but inconsistent outings early in the season knocked him back in the rotation and down draft boards. The junior southpaw is at his best when he's able to command his curveball, his best secondary pitch, and keep hitters from cheating on the fastball. His slider isn't far behind and is also sharp when he commands it. His fastball sits 88-92 mph, touching as high as 95. Lilek has a good pitcher's body at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds. Scouts note that Lilek doesn't always take a competitive spirit to the mound, but when he's on, like in late season games against UCLA and Washington State, he resembles a first round talent. A strong finish could push the lefthander back up draft boards.
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