Ty Madden Has A To-Do List To Attack In Pro Ball

For 2021 supplemental first-round righthander Ty Madden, draft attention is nothing new.

Madden pitched for a loaded Cypress Ranch High team in Texas and was drafted in the 34th round in 2018 by the Royals. He opted not to sign and and attended the University of Texas.

“I think it was one of the best decisions I could’ve made,” Madden said. “In high school, I think mentally and physically, I wasn’t quite ready for a pro season . . .

“Going to school helped prepare me for throwing in big games further in my career.”

A 6-foot-3, 215-pound righthander, Madden’s exposure to collegiate postseason competition helped to set the stage for how he plans to introduce himself in pro ball.

The 21-year-old features a two-seam fastball that he uses to sit comfortably between 94-96 mph with some deceptive sink that makes it a plus pitch.

“I’d say my fastball is definitely getting there,” Madden said, “but I would still give my slider the edge for sure.”

Madden’s slider became something to write home about very early on.

“There’s a visible confidence in (his slider),” a National League scout said. “It’s already an easy (plus) and only stands to get better.”

Madden’s curveball may be his least-discussed element, but the upper-70s pitch already displays good shape. It should sharpen with more use.

Madden’s changeup has already received a slight facelift since he arrived at the Tigers’ facility in Lakeland, Fla.

“I altered my changeup grip a little bit and I’ve started to see pretty good success with it,” Madden said. “We’ve made a couple changes that have really helped with my arm speed and selling the pitch.”

Madden has already compiled a to-do list and he’s ready to go.

“I’m always working at being explosive with my lower half,” Madden said. “Also, not getting my hands out on time is when I get in trouble. My hand gets stuck in my glove a little bit.

“I would just say cleaning up everything and really just developing all four of my pitches.”

TIGER TALES

— Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson and Ryan Kreidler were promoted to Triple-A Toledo on Aug. 16, which came as no surprise after the trio’s combined offensive effort with Erie. The three still sit second, third and fourth for most home runs with Double-A Erie.