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Atlanta Braves Scouting Report on Reliever Devan Watts

By Benjamin Chase

Jul 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A major league game ball and rosin bag sit on the dugout rail prior to being used in the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A major league game ball and rosin bag sit on the dugout rail prior to being used in the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Future Outlook


I know this name won’t enthuse a lot of people, but when watching Watts, I was heavily reminded of a guy that really broke out as a member of the Minnesota Twins this season, their closer Brandon Kintzler. Kintzler has a similar build to Watts and throws a sinker/slider mix as his approach as well, though he heavily leans on his sinker, not using his slider or any other pitch very often.

Where the comparison should provide Braves fans with more encouragement is that Kintzler has pitched in parts of seven big league seasons with 226 games that he has appeared in, with a 3.33 ERA and 1.27 WHIP, along with a 58.6% ground ball rate. I think that is a path for success for Watts as is, but that change could definitely add to his weapons and change this substantially.

Next: Braves Minor League Database

Watts showed enough at Rome in 2016 that he will likely end up in Brevard County to start 2017, but the team may feel a reason to start him at Rome again to start the season. He’s definitely showed poise at the back of the bullpen.

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