Robert Tyler, Georgia
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6’4/225
B/T: Left/Right
DOB: 6/18/1995
One of the hardest throwers in the draft, Georgia right-hander Robert Tyler figures to go somewhere in the first round. After a down season, he’s likely fallen out of the top half of the first round, but still figures to hear his name called on the first day.
For the Bulldogs, Tyler immediately entered the rotation as a freshman and had a stellar first year, posting a 2.68 ERA in his inaugural campaign. He figured to be the team’s ace in his sophomore year, winning Georgia’s opener, but suffered a forearm strain early in the season and missed three months.
Tyler returned late in the season and pitched decently. This year, he’s struggled, posting a 4.10 ERA with 89 strikeouts and 46 walks in 74.2 innings. Tyler has an unconventional delivery.
He tilts his spine at release, leading to a high three-quarters delivery. While his arm action is relatively low maintenance, he does have command/control issues. His fastball is his calling card, sitting in the mid 90s as a starter and touching the upper 90s.
Tyler’s changeup is his go-to secondary offering, with enough velocity separation and tumble to deceive hitters. His curveball flashes average but generally breaks out of his hand softly.
A team with a good player development staff and track record improving pitchers should gamble on Tyler in the first round or two if he makes it that far. If starting doesn’t work out, he has the arm strength and two pitch mix to work out of the bullpen.
CONTINUE READING: Former Kansas City Royals selection
