What to expect from Philadelphia Phillies rookie Daniel Stumpf

The Philadelphia Phillies picked up two players in the 2015 Rule 5 draft: outfielder Tyler Goeddel and pitcher Daniel Stumpf. Both made the major league team. We profiled Goeddel last week so let's turn out attention to Stumpf.

From the 2016 Baseball Prospect Book:

Daniel Stumpf, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Bats: L Throws: L HT: 6-2 WT: 200 DOB: January 4, 1991

The Phillies picked Daniel Stumpf out of the Royals system in the 2015 Rule 5 draft. Originally a ninth round pick in 2014 from San Jacinto Community College in Texas, Stumpf has some starting experience but projects best in the bullpen, coming in to face lefties with a 90-93 MPH fastball and solid-average slider. He held them to a .167 mark for Northwest Arkansas and could make an effective LOOGY if his command, which is inconsistent, sharpens up a bit. Grade C.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY

Stumpf threw 12.1 innings in spring training, posting a 3.65 ERA with a 14/4 K/BB and earning a slot in the bullpen. He gave up two walks, three hits, and three runs in his first major league outing on April 7th (Eugenio Suarez hitting a homer) but got right back on the horse with successful 1/3 of an inning outings on the 8th and 9th.

Stumpf worked at 90-93 in the minors (at least when I saw him) but has maxed out at 91 with his four-seamer in the majors so far. He relies heavily on his slider and will throw an occasional change-up. He seems ideally-suited for the LOOGY role but will need sharper command if the Phillies want him to face right-handed hitters more often.

Stumpf offers little in the way of fantasy value but in real baseball terms he could make a living as a lefty specialist.