Ryan Feltner
Evaluator: | Burke Granger |
Report Date: | March 19th, 2018 |
MLB Team: |
Splitting time between starting and relieving in 2017, Feltner had an inconsistent spring, pitching to 6.32 ERA and 4.02 BB/9. Things began to click in the Cape Cod League over the summer. Pitching exclusively in a relief role, Feltner made 13 appearances without allowing an earned run, logging eight saves on his way to taking home the Russ Ford Outstanding Relief Pitcher Award. Now entrenched in the Buckeyes’ rotation, Feltner had his best outing of the season in Ohio State’s home opening series against Cal State Northridge, allowing two earned runs on four hits over 6 1/3 innings, striking out nine and walking one. Working with a projectable 6’4” and 195 frame, Feltner has a simple delivery, with moderate effort and occasional recoil in his finish. Working primarily off a plus fastball at 92-to-95 mph, Feltner kept opposing hitters off balance by filling the zone with a healthy dose of secondary offerings. Thrown in the low-to-mid 80s, his best breaking pitch is his slider, with sharp two-plane break, while his curveball is more of a show me pitch that lacks consistent bite. Perhaps most encouraging is the development of Feltner’s firm 82-to-86 mph changeup, flashing above-average with tumble, and frequent arm-side fade. Feltner’s future role is uncertain, though the improvement of the changeup and his ability to maintain his velocity deep into this start are encouraging signs that he could develop into a back-end starter as a professional. |