Happy Friday, Athletics Nation!
Following a string of strong starts, right-handed starter Luis Morales is back on the Top 100 Prospects list per MLB Pipeline.
Morales’s re-entry—and current No. 100 position—was made possible by the graduation of Angels second baseman Christian Moore to rookie status. Luis was called up for his MLB debut on August 1, making a single relief appearance before being tapped to make his first start against the Orioles on August 10, one day after top A’s starter Luis Severino was placed on the injury list due to an oblique strain.
The debut start lasted fewer than three innings, as the 22-year-old international signee from 2023 struggled to find the zone and issued five walks. But in three starts since, Morales has allowed just two runs through 18 innings, resulting in a very impressive 1.19 ERA after five appearances with the A’s. Luis fanned seven in as many scoreless innings on Wednesday against the Tigers, though he gave up a lot of hard contact as evidenced by an average exit velocity of 94.5 mph. Morales’s fielding independent stats also suggest he’s dodged a few bullets, as his 3.08 FIP and 4.26 xFIP are well above his ERA.
Nevertheless, the A’s No. 4 prospect is showing off some great stuff and with two wins already secured should be able to move forward with growing confidence. Morales is now the fourth Athletic on the Pipeline’s list along with the A’s top three prospects: shortstop Leo De Vries (No. 3), and left handed pitchers Jamie Arnold (No. 36) and Gage Jump (No. 57).
Have a wonderful weekend, AN.
Schwarber becomes the third player to hit four home runs in a game this year.