Orioles Promote Top Pitching Prospect To Make MLB Debut

A first-round pick in 2017, top pitching prospect DL Hall is about to make his major league debut. The Baltimore Orioles have promoted the left-hand flame-thrower from their Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk.

Hall has struggled a bit at Norfolk, only posting a 4.76 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. But his massive strikeout potential is hard to ignore, as he's averaging a whopping 14.7 K/9. He needs to control the walks, however, which he issues at a somewhat alarming rate, with 44 in 70 innings at AAA.

I think DL Hall will be up for the moment/challenge. Makeup is great. Stuff is great often. Command is shaky often. But some pitchers have the tools and talents to overcome walk totals - this is one. If O's are "going for it" moves like this are made. Exciting times Birdland.

— Steve Melewski (@masnSteve) August 12, 2022

According to Baseball America, Hall can reach 100 mph on the radar gun with his fastball, and averages 97. He ranks as their No. 59 prospect in all of baseball. For the Orioles, he's their No. 4 overall prospect, trailing only the vaunted (and currently injured) Grayson Rodriguez on the pitching side of the ledger. 

MLB.com prospects report says about Hall, "his stuff is still absolutely nasty, with a fastball routinely up to 101 mph and a fading changeup that flashes plus." Again, it's just a matter of refining his control.

He's expected to get the start on Saturday for the Orioles, against the Tampa Bay Rays. And talk about trial-by-fire: The left-hander's opponent on the mound? None other than the league's most feared lefty, Shane McClanahan.

Photo: USA TODAY NETWORK