MLB Draft: RHP Tyler Schlaffer, Rd. 9 No. 282 Chicago Cubs

UIC commit, currently ranked No. 21 in the Illinois’ 2019 class. 6-foot-1, 160-pound, live-bodied, right-handed pitcher. Efficient, athletic delivery, works on-line, with effort, will spin off at times. Clean arm action, works loose and extremely fast out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, jumps out of the hand, finishes through the zone, average control, mostly straight action, slight cut on occasion, when pitching to the glove side; sat 90-93 mph for much of the outing, was more 89-90 mph in his fourth and final inning. Go-to secondary pitch is his changeup. Maintains arm speed, feel for the bottom of the zone, late sinking action, swing-and-miss pitch, 77-79 mph. Attempted to throw a couple of sliders; slurvy action, inconsistent shape and feel, 75-77 mph. Should garner pro interest moving forward this spring, given his uptick in velocity and highly-athletic arm. Final line; W, 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 6 K, 3 BB.

UIC commit, currently ranked No. 19 in the Illinois’ 2019 class. 6-foot-1, 160-pound, wiry, live-bodied, right-handed pitcher. Came out of the bullpen for the Midwest Rangers. In his first inning of work sat 90-91 mph. Fastball jumps out of the hand, lively through the hitting zone with occasional cut, average command. Changeup is his go-to secondary offering. Maintains arm speed, pulls the string, works mostly straight with feel at 77-79 mph.