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On September 2nd the Detroit Tigers promoted rookie right-hander Myles Jaye to the major league roster. He made relief appearances against the Cleveland Indians on September 2nd and against the Kansas City Royals on September 5th. He returns to the mound against the Indians tonight, but this time as a starting pitcher. Here’s a quick take.
Myles Jaye was originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 17th round in 2010 from high school in Fayetteville, Georgia. He made his pro debut with a successful campaign in the Appalachian League in 2011, then was traded to the Chicago White Sox in January 2012. After some initial struggles he adapted well to Double-A in 2015 but found himself dealt to the Texas Rangers in December 2015, then to the Tigers in March 2016.
He had a decent season in the high minors in ‘16 (3.95 ERA, 135/41 K/BB in 162 innings). Jaye ranked 11th on the pre-season Detroit Tigers Top 20 prospects for 2017 list with this commentary:
11) Myles Jaye, RHP, Grade C+: Age 25, originally drafted by Blue Jays in 17th round in 2010; posted 3.95 ERA with 135/41 K/BB in 162 innings between Double-A and Triple-A; average stuff across the board with 90-93 MPH fastball, viable slider and change-up, good command and control; typical right-hander with adequate but not excellent fastball that doesn’t excite scouts but who could sneak up on us due to his command. ETA late 2017.
Jaye’s 2017 season was similar to 2016: 3.96 ERA, 115/46 K/BB in 132 innings in Double-A and Triple-A.
The pre-season scouting report is still valid: he has a low-90s fastball and will mix in an assortment of secondary pitches including a slider, curveball, and change-up. There’s nothing really spectacular about him, but he’s thrown strikes with four average in the minors and has potential as a number five starter and long reliever.