Prospect Report: Grayson Rodriguez Makes Second Spring Start

Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Orioles — The Orioles’ top pitching prospect made his second spring start on Tuesday, this time against the Twins. The righthander struck out four over 2.2 one-run innings. His fastball peaked at 99 and he got seven swings-and-misses in 55 pitches. 

Ricky Tiedemann, LHP, Blue Jays — Tiedemann was one of the biggest breakout arms in the minors in 2022 and could push his way to the big leagues at some point this coming season. He pitched in relief on Tuesday, to mixed results. He allowed two runs in as many innings, walked one and struck out two. The lefty’s fastball sat between 96-97 and he got both of his strikeouts on his sweeping slider. Tiedemann had two other swings and misses on the day, including one on a sweeper and another on a changeup. 

Curtis Mead, 3B, Rays — For the second time in three games, Tampa Bay’s top hitting talent racked up a multi-hit game. This time, Mead, who missed a chunk of 2022 with elbow issues, went 2-for-3 with a double. His hardest-hit ball of the day, however, was a fielder’s choice that left the bat at 105 mph.  

Casey Schmitt, 3B, Giants — Schmitt complemented his exemplary glovework with a stellar offensive season in 2022. The San Diego State product went from High-A to Triple-A and produced a .293/.365/.489 slash line with 21 home runs. Schmitt went 2-for-3 with a triple on Tuesday and is now 7-for-15 with a double, triple and a home run this spring. 

Oscar Colas, OF, White Sox — The dynamic outfielder put together an excellent American pro debut in 2022, when he vaulted from High-A to Triple-A and hit .314/.371/.524 with 23 home runs. The 24-year-old Colas went 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored on Tuesday against the Brewers. He’s 9-for-21 thus far this spring. 

Jared Shuster, RHP, Braves — The Braves’ system is fallow for all the right reasons, thanks to graduations of stud prospects like Spencer Strider, Michael Harris and Vaughn Grissom—as well as the trade of several prospects to acquire Sean Murphy from the A’s. Shuster, who checks in at No. 3 in the revamped Atlanta system, spun three scoreless, hitless innings with four strikeouts. Shuster has five total innings this spring with one hit and a run on his ledger.