House That Hank Built
Fansided

Atlanta Braves 2016-2017 Top 100 Prospects 51-60

By Benjamin Chase

Apr 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; The teams lineup and the flag is pulled across the outfield prior to the game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; The teams lineup and the flag is pulled across the outfield prior to the game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Feb 23, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Jason Hursh fields a ground ball during spring training workouts at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Jason Hursh fields a ground ball during spring training workouts at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

60. Jason Hursh, RHP

With the pedigree of being the Braves’ 1st round selection in 2013, Hursh has had high expectations for a long time. When he was moved to the bullpen full-time last season, many figured he’d be there for a time and eventually work his way back to the rotation. That was not the case in 2016 and won’t be going forward for the 25 year-old.

While his ERA wasn’t exactly pretty last season in the bullpen, Hursh was truly learning how to sequence his pitches in the bullpen, and he’s worked that out now. His 2 appearances with the Braves in the majors this summer weren’t pretty, but the rest of the year was very nice, showing a strong future for Hursh in the bullpen.

Hursh was a sinker/slider/change pitcher already as a starter, so his repertoire as a reliever didn’t really change much, though with the freedom to throw hard, Hursh didn’t add in a few MPH like many do going to the bullpen. Instead, he added depth and bite to both his sinker and his slider, making both incredibly difficult to square up. He overthrew both in his big league time in my viewing, and they straightened out, but he will be tremendous going forward.

Hursh did not allow a single home run at any level this season, but due to his pitches encouraging lots of contact, he ended up giving up some serious BABIP (.313 in AAA, .571 (!!) in MLB).

Hursh was still working to understand his new bite on his pitches from the bullpen, and he saw a higher walk rate than at any previous level at both AA and AAA this season due to the pitches moving out of the zone on him. He did see a higher strikeout rate in his time at AA than he’d had at any other level in his professional career, so the pitch was certainly effective!

Hursh may not work as a back-of-the-bullpen guy with his stuff, but he has a long future as a middle relief type that can go multiple innings. He should get a long look at the MLB bullpen this spring.

59. Justin Ellison, OF

Ellison was a Georgia native that the Braves drafted in the 12th round out of Western Oklahoma State College in the 2015 draft. He put his athleticism on display across the two rookie level teams in 2015 for theBraves, hitting .247/.313/.416 with 5 home runs and 6 stolen bases, posting an 18/37 BB/K ratio over 198 PA.

Ellison was moved to Rome this season, and he flashed power and speed today. He had 37 extra base hits and 18 steals along with a 37/88 BB/K over 476 plate appearances.

Ellison has some issue with streakiness in his hitting. He’ll go on a run where he’s collecting a hit or two or every night and driving the ball well, and then he’ll go into a slump where he goes a week or two without reaching base at all.

Ellison does provide enough defensive value in a corner outfield spot that he’s going to continue to have value even in his times when he’s not hitting well. He shows an above-average arm and good range.

The swing has the chance to improve and be a more consistent approach. At 21, Ellison is not ancient by any means. He has extremely strong wrists and an athletic core. If the Braves can shorten his swing and help him be more consistent in his path through the zone, Ellison’s natural power and speed could elevate him quickly in the outfield rankings.

Next: #58 & #57

Home/Braves Minors