Cincinnati Reds watch prospect Tyler Mahle develop as pitcher

Three games into his MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds, Tyler Mahle appears to be getting his feet under him.

The Cincinnati Reds brought Tyler Mahle up to see if he was ready for the big time.  So far, the results have been mixed.  Mahle is four games into his MLB career and each game has shown the Reds something different.  In his fourth start he won his first game and this is how he got there.

In his first start Mahle went five innings allowing three runs.  It was essentially a Tim Adleman start.  He allowed a home run and struck out five.

Mahle’s issue is that he walked as many as hits allowed.  A 1.60 WHIP is not sustainable in the majors.  All in all it was a decent debut.

In game two Mahle went six shutout innings.  He only struck out three, but he didn’t walk a single batter.  He allowed five hits, but he did walk a batter.

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HIs start excited the management of the Reds.  Mahle had gone at least five and given up three or fewer runs each time out.  He wasn’t as dominant as he had been in the minors, but he was pitching well.

In Mahle’s third start he only went four innings, allowing three runs.  It reminded watchers of a Rookie Davis start.  However, he did not give up a home run, while striking out only two.

After those three starts, it is easy to forget how elite Tyler Mahle was before he made his debut with the Cincinnati Reds.

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Prior to joining the Reds this year, Malhe made 24 starts in the minor leagues.  He was ten and seven with a total ERA of 2.06.  He pitched 144 ⅓ innings.

Those are impressive numbers.  He averaged over six innings pitched before he made his MLB debut.  He had a complete game, no-hit shutout in Double-A earlier this season.

This isn’t a one year wonder situation, either.  Last year Mahle made 27 minor league starts covering 150 ⅔ innings.  That is nearly six innings again.

He went fourteen and six with an ERA of 3.64.

That ERA was a little high because of his rough transition to Double-A last year.  He did have a no hitter in Single-A last year, too.

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Mahle may not be the lone hope for the Reds, but he is a source of great optimism.  The Reds are hoping that he can be a solid middle of the rotation starter with a nice upside.  In case you’re wondering, that is what they used to say about Homer Bailey.