MLB Rookie Profile: Kyle Lloyd, RHP, San Diego Padres

If you blinked, you may have missed it: San Diego Padres pitching prospect Kyle Lloyd was promoted to the majors on July 25th, made his major league debut against the New York Mets, giving up four runs on four innings with six hits. He was then sent back to the minors yesterday. Since he holds a spot on the 40-man roster he’ll likely return to San Diego at some point, so let’s take a gander.

Lloyd was drafted by the Padres in the 29th round in 2013 from the University of Evansville. His impressive senior year (2.68 ERA, 99/34 K/BB in 94 innings) got him drafted and he remained effective in pro ball, notably in 2014 when he posted a 155/34 K/BB in 120 innings in Low-A with a 3.61 ERA.

In 2016 he rang up a 3.31 ERA in 130 innings in Double-A with a 99/38 K/BB. In 2017 he’s posted a 4.18 ERA in 118 innings between Double-A and Triple-A with a 112/34 K/BB.

Lloyd is listed at 6-4, 220, born October 16th, 1990. He doesn’t throw hard, his four-seamer coming in at 85-88 MPH. He’s been effective in the minors due to his secondary pitches, a splitter and a slider, and due to his ability to throw strikes.

Lloyd’s approach gave spotty results in his MLB debut and his margin for error is thin, but there’s still a chance he could be a fifth starter or long reliever going forward. The lack of fastball velocity makes him a Quadruple-A pitcher in the eyes of most scouts, but it is possible his arsenal could play up if he shifts to the bullpen.