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On Friday morning the San Diego Padres promoted left-handed pitcher Kyle McGrath to the major league roster. Here’s a quick look.
Kyle McGrath, LHP: McGrath had an excellent junior year for the University of Louisville in 2014, posting a 1.34 ERA in 40 relief innings with the Cardinals with a 40/14 K/BB and just 25 hits allowed. Drafted in the 36th round, he’s zipped through the farm system quickly, posting a 0.93 ERA in 68 innings at three levels in 2016, followed by a 2.66 ERA in 24 innings this year in Double-A with a 27/4 K/BB.
McGrath is listed at 6-2, 185, born July 31, 1992. His fastball isn’t especially fast, generally 87-90 MPH, but his unusual delivery adds deception to the pitch. He’ll mix in a slider and change-up, both generally average, but his control is excellent and he’s been able to shut down both left-handed and right-handed hitters in the minors.