Atlanta Braves Right Hander Bradley Roney
Who Is He?
Roney was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 18th round of the 2011 draft out of high school in Alabama. He instead chose to attend college at the University of Southern Mississippi, and the Braves were able to select him in the 8th round in the 2014 draft.
He pitched for advanced rookie Danville in the Appalachian League to start his professional career, and in 18 relief appearances spanning 22 1/3 innings, he tallied a 4.03 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, and a 20/34 BB/K ratio.
Next: Roney's scouting report
In 2015, the Braves started Roney with Rome, and he struggled initially, and he was sent back to extended spring training with a 5.29 ERA and 19 walks in 17 innings.
He then returned to Danville, and his prowess on the mound moved him quickly from Danville to Rome to high-A Carolina to finish the season.
All told, he pitched in 33 games in 2015, totaling 48 1/3 innings. He had a total 2.98 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in that time with a 35/70 BB/K ratio. He also tallied 11 saves on the season.
That incredible strikeout rate gained him plenty of notice among Braves fans as a possible “sleeper” reliever in the system.