MLB Rookie Profile: Max Povse, RHP, Seattle Mariners

Back on June 18th the Seattle Mariners promoted right-handed pitcher Max Povse to the major league roster. He’s only pitched in one game so far, giving up four hits and three runs in two-thirds of an inning against the Detroit Tigers on the 22nd, but is still on the 25-man roster. Let’s take a quick look.

Povse was originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round in 2014 from UNC-Greensboro. After a mediocre 2015 season he broke out in 2016, posting a 3.36 ERA with a 139/29 K/BB in 159 innings between High-A and Double-A.

He was traded to the Mariners in the November 2016 Alex Jackson and Rob Whalen deal.

Povse rated as Number Five with a Grade B- on the pre-season Seattle Mariners Top 20 prospects for 2017 list with the following commentary:

5) Max Povse, RHP, Grade B-: Age 23, acquired from Braves in November trade; huge 6-8 right-hander with fastball at 91-95, 3.36 ERA with 139/29 K/BB in 158 innings between High-A and Double-A; will mix in very good change-up and an average curveball; he could be an inning-eating horse and Seattle should be a good environment for him; originally third round pick in 2014 from UNC-Greensboro. ETA: late 2017

He had a 3.46 ERA in 39 innings for Double-A Arkansas before his promotion with a 32/14 K/BB.

Listed at 6-8, 185, Povse was born August 23, 1993. His extreme height is the thing that stands out most about Povse. His control was unusually good for such a tall pitcher last year but has been a bit sloppier this season. Although he peaks at 95 he most commonly works in the 90-92 range as a starter, which is enough when his command is on. He likes to use his curveball and must be sharp when locating the pitch.

Povse was hit pretty hard by left-handed hitters in Double-A this year (.333, righties hit just .186) and I think he needs more time to refine his secondary pitches. Long-term he could be a number four starter, an inning-eater type, though his stuff could play up in the bullpen.