Shorebird of the Week – June 21, 2012

He’s been quietly successful for most of the season because he’s one of several multi-inning relievers on the Shorebird staff, but Devin Jones is one of the more promising prospects on the Orioles radar screen.

A 9th round selection by the Orioles last year, Jones has followed up a forgettable season in Aberdeen last year (2-4, 6.08 with a 1.77 WHIP) with a much better second stanza this season. Even though he has an 0-4 record, Devin has pitched much better than that record would indicate. In 41 1/3 innings Devin has allowed 37 hits but just 9 walks, and now sports a 2.40 ERA as we embark upon the second half of the season tonight.

The Mississippi State product won’t turn 22 until the fourth of July but he’s beginning to turn heads by providing a dependable 2 to 4 innings out of the bullpen when he’s placed into the game, often as the first reliever. And even with these long outings, Devin has only been scored upon in 6 of his 15 appearances, and never for more than 3 runs (April 21 at Greensboro.)

The Shorebirds have a situation which is now common among minor league teams as they seek to protect prized young arms, choosing 5 or 6 starting pitchers and perhaps as many again to handle 2 to 4 innings after the starting pitcher departs, along with an 8th inning pitcher and closer. Nine pitchers have gotten a start for the Shorebirds thus far, but of the remaining 12 who have dotted the roster five are averaging over two innings per outing. Among those non-starting pitchers, Devin leads the team with 15 appearances and is second overall.

If current trends hold, Jones should have around 80 to 85 innings to be judged by this season. And while it’s not clear just how the Orioles would like to use him in the future, Devin seems to be succeeding well enough in getting batters out to be given a future role in the organization.