Pittsburgh Pirates: Luis Ortiz, Henry Davis Lead April Prospect Performance

The Pittsburgh Pirates saw some of their best prospects step up in April.

The prospect of note for Low-A is right-handed pitcher Owen Kellington. Looking into the Bradenton Marauders it was tough to decide on their Prospect Performer. The team has seen solid contributions from Thomas Harrington and outfielder Emmanuel Terrero.

Kellington has a higher ERA than Harrington with them respectively posting ERAs of 3. 55 and 2.89. Kellington also has the same number of walks, 6, as Harrington does. Harrington has thrown 6 more innings than Kellington as well. So what makes Kellington the Prospect Performer?

The 2021 draft pick had a tough 2022 season, posting an ERA over 10. So to see him come out pitching much more effectively is a great sign for his development. Also, some of his other numbers are interesting to look at. First off he has 18 strikeouts in 12.2 innings of work. He also is doing a great job of limiting base runners with a 1.08 WHIP.

Furthermore, his xFIP is actually 3.43 compared to his ERA of 3.55. This suggests that he has had some luck working against him and has pitched better than his results suggest. All signs are pointing in the right direction for Owen Kellington so far for the 2023 season.

Now for the games that stood out for each of these prospects. Going back to the start made by Luis Ortiz on April 16th. Ortiz did not have his best swing-and-miss stuff, which was evident from him only striking out 1 across 5 innings of work. However, the work was scoreless and he proved he can get outs without his best stuff. Kellington's best start came on April 12th when he threw 3 innings, only allowing 1 run, and striking out 6 total.

On April 23rd Henry Davis possibly had the best game of his career. He went 3-3 with a walk which obviously is a great game. But, 2 of his hits he collected were home runs. Bowen actually had a big game that same day. He also would hit two home runs plus a double, going 3 for 4 on the day.