77 pitches, 51 strikes (66%), 17 Whiffs (9 via FB, 7 via SLD, 1 via CHG), 21 BF
Antonio had a career night, becoming the fourth teenager to throw an FQO this season (Melvin Hernandez, Wei-En Lin, Junior Sanchez.) The young Colombian sinker/slider big boi dominated the zone and this lineup. This wasn’t picking on the weakest hitters, either, as the Fireflies have struckout fewer than any other Carolina League offense. Here’s a look at Antonio’s pro career thus far:
A sinker flashing legit depth and a hard slider are the main attractions here, but he does try a few changeups vs lefties. There is also a four-seamer. Here’s his complete outing from last night:
Antonio’s velocity held up through the outing. He also exuded the ability to dip into the reserves and put more on it with two-strikes. The strong base helps. Clearly the changeup is a work in progress. I did catch him shaking off to get to it, and that I absolutely love. Antonio had a no hitter going at the time, but he showed stones to want to give the changeup a go.
This was an impressive look for a kid. I’m a fan. There are developmental arms in the lowers in need of much more polish than Antonio here. The Braves can be pushy with their arms as well. Who knows where he might end his 2025? Color me intrigued with this 0%er.