Matt Ruppenthal

Position: RHRP
Level: Instructs
Affiliate: Astros Instructs
League: Instructional League
Born: 10/21/1995 (Age: 28)
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 225
B/T: Right / Right
Acquired: 17th Rd., 2017 MLB First-Year Player Draft (HOU)

Prospect Spotlight

NOTES FROM THE FIELD, INSTRUCTS:

  • XL frame, broad and durable. Thick, muscular build. 
  • Semi-windup; moderate overall effort with upper-half thwack and recoil after OT slot; full circle, quick stroke.
  • FB 90-92; Has shown more than low-90s in the past. Elevates often to take advantage of quality FB ride due to high spin rate. 
  • CB 80-82; Hard spin, tight rotation, shapely down action. Separator, has a feel for it, big league breaking ball. 
  • FB/CB primary two pitches. Very aggressive with CB, throws frequently, works with predictable FB up, CB down approach. 

SUMMARY: See ceiling of middle reliever at ML level, both FB and CB play as big league pitches. Could benefit from some velocity spike pitching in short outings. Feel for spin is a separator and gives him a chance to carve out bullpen role even if FB never blows hitters away.