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Justus Sheffield

Born: 05/13/1996 (Age: )
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Height: 5' 10" Weight: 195
Mechanics
Body: Smaller stature; broad shoulders, barrel chested, durably built; thick and strong lower half; physically mature; body to hold up as a starter despite being short.

Delivery: Chance to start; though correctable, has mechanical concerns to iron out to make command more consistent. SWU; x-tall leg kick; generates power from aggressive back-leg drive; long stride makes landing leg stiff and rigid causing harder landings and the back-side to swing around hard; consistently falls off to glove-side through release. Plus arm-action; compact, in-line circle in the back; excellent arm-speed through high-three-quarters slot.
Evaluator Adam McInturff
Report Date 00/00/0000
Affiliate Lynchburg Hillcats (High A, Indians)
Dates Seen April 12, 2016
OFP 60
MLB ETA 2018/2019
Video Yes
Pitch Type Future Grade Sitting Velocity Peak Velocity Report
Fastball 60 92-93 95 Plus velocity; holds 92-94 all game with touches of 95 early in outing; lively second-gear finish; occasional arm-side burst as well. Athletic enough he'll fill the zone with basic strikes at times; moderate effort/mechanical inefficiencies hinder command to spots; command can improve slightly, but will be reliant on velocity.
Cutter 55 91 94 Frequently used cut FB, especially to RHB; enough at-best flashes of above-average late glove-side life to project on pitch; mixes four-seam/cutter well; aimed cutter across plate to jam righties in on hands.
Slider 60 81 85 Future plus pitch; got numerous swings/misses throughout outing; made hitters look bad, especially left-handers. Veteran's concept of changing grips/depth on SL: longer, wider, deeper tilt at 81-83 with sweeping action to same-side hitters; throws harder at 84-85 with tight, late-darting action and less depth to righties.
Changeup 55 82 84 3rd/4th pitch at present, underused; short, darting, late-showing one-plane run to arm-side. Good arm-speed/sell in front of delivery w/ velocity separation from FB; safe bet to get to average; athleticism+arm-speed could make it tick better than that; needs to add depth for 55+ future.
Overall

Short stature, moderate effort, and big fastball will raise questions about 'pen future. I think he's durable and athletic enough to continue to make adjustments and bring plus stuff to rotation. Will take some time and comes with risk, but see ceiling as aggressive #no. 3 starter with power FB/SL mix.

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