Prep Baseball Illinois Pitcher of the Week: Zane Caves
April 22, 2025
Minooka is one of the top teams in the state, now sitting at No. 4 in our recently updated Power 25 as they are 16-2 on the year. They went 3-1 this past week with a couple big wins, but none bigger than their 7-0 win over No. 1 at the time Lincoln-Way West. On the mound for Minooka that day was Michigan State commit LHP Zane Caves (2026) who fired a complete game gem. For his efforts and outstanding performance, Caves has been named this week’s Pitcher of the Week.
The southpaw tamed one of the more talented lineups in the entire state, firing a complete game (seven innings) shutout with just one hit allowed, walking only one and striking out nine.
Caves is starting to really find his footing after finishing up basketball season, and he has firmly established himself as one of the horses in an already deep and talented pitching rotation. On the year, the southpaw now has a 1.98 ERA in 18.2 innings pitched with just seven hits allowed, six walks and 25 strikeouts. The 6-foot-5, 190-pound southpaw will run his fastball into the upper-80s, pairing with a wipeout curveball with over 2,700 rpm and a changeup with over 22” of run. Currently ranked No. 27 in the state, Caves continues to rise and establish himself as one of the top arms in the state’s 2026 group.
We're thankful for the POTW submissions we received from the coaches across the state. The players who garnered POTW consideration will earn a place within tomorrow's Diamond Notes story, so be on the lookout for that.
Scouting Report
Verbally committed to Michigan State.
LHP Zane Caves (Minooka) was far and away one of the event’s biggest winners. In his two innings of work, the southpaw only allowed one hit with no runs, one walk and five strikeouts. He attacked the zone with his fastball, playing in the low-mid 80s, topping out at 87 mph with heavy arm-side run. His curveball has wipeout potential, playing consistently over 2,700 rpm around 70 mph with sharp downward action. He also showed a changeup that played in the low-70’s, playing with heavy arm-side fade with a similar profile to his fastball. High-level uncommitted arm.